title: Expression of Wnt-1, TGF-β and related cell-cell adhesion components following radiotherapy in salivary glands of patients with manifested radiogenic xerostomia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiation-induced xerostomia still represents a common symptom following radiotherapy of head and neck malignancies, which significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. In this cross-sectional study, human salivary glands were investigated to assess the role of Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β pathways in the pathogenic process of radiogenic impairment of salivary function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Irradiated human salivary glands were investigated in patients with manifested xerostomia. Alteration of Wnt-1 and cell-cell adhesion was evaluated immunohistologically as well as changes in the expression of TGF-β were assessed in salivary gland tissue.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We assessed two alteration patterns in which Wnt-1 expression represents one change along with up-regulation of β-catenin and E-cadherin in irradiated but viable acinar cells. Increased expression of tenascin-C was observed in sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction and loss of cell-cell adhesion was assessed in translocated epithelial cells in the stroma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased transdifferentiation and remodeling of acinar structures was associated with decrease of viable acinar structures. The role of Wnt and TGF signaling may provide a potential therapeutic approach to prevent radiation-induced damage to salivary glands during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
authors: Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Luebeck, Germany. samer.hakim@mkg-chir.mu-luebeck.de
authors: Samer George
authors: SG
authors: Hakim
authors: Julika
authors: J
authors: Ribbat
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Berndt
authors: Petra
authors: P
authors: Richter
authors: Hartwig
authors: H
authors: Kosmehl
authors: Geza A
authors: GA
authors: Benedek
authors: Hans Christian
authors: HC
authors: Jacobsen
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Trenkle
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Sieg
authors: Dirk
authors: D
authors: Rades
mesh_terms: D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015854:Up-Regulation; D051155:Wnt1 Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D015820:Cadherins; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D051155:Wnt1 Protein