title: WT1 protein expression in astrocytic tumors and its relationship with cellular proliferation index.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although Wilms' tumor gene (WT1) was initially known as a tumor marker in Wilms' tumor, nowadays its role is well known in other sorts of malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate WT1 protein expression levels and its association with cellular proliferation in astrocytic brain tumors by immunohistochemical methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study performed on 73 randomly selected archived tissue samples of astrocytic brain tumors. Sections were observed after immunohistochemical staining regarding WT1 protein expression and MIB-1 staining index. Tumors were classified based on World Health Organization grading system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  WT1 protein expression was seen in the majority of samples (97.3%) with significantly higher index in high-grade tumors (P<0.001). MIB-1 staining index was also significantly higher in high-grade tumors (P<0.001). Moreover, a significantly positive correlation was found between WT1 protein expression and MIB-1 staining index (r: 0.64, P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Astrocytic brain tumors express WT1 protein. It was also found that high-grade tumors are accompanied with higher WT1 protein expression, which is correlated with MIB-1 staining index. WT1 can be used as a marker of malignant cell proliferation and diagnostic tool to differentiate normal astrocytes from neoplastic cells.
authors: Department of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Parvin
authors: P
authors: Mahzouni
authors: Zahra
authors: Z
authors: Meghdadi
keywords: Astrocytic brain tumor; MIB-1 staining index; WT1 protein; immunotherapy
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