Trail overexpression inversely correlates with histological differentiation in intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Despite their histological resemblance to colorectal adenocarcinoma, there is some information about the molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinomas (ITACs). To evaluate the possible role of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) gene defects in ITAC, by investigating the immunohistochemical expression of TRAIL gene product in a group of ethmoidal ITACs associated with occupational exposure.


METHODS
Retrospective study on 23 patients with pathological diagnosis of primary ethmoidal ITAC. Representative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block from each case was selected for immunohistochemical studies using the antibody against TRAIL. Clinicopathological data were also correlated with the staining results.


RESULTS
The immunohistochemical examination demonstrated that poorly differentiated cases showed a higher percentage of TRAIL expressing cells compared to well-differentiated cases. No correlation was found with other clinicopathological parameters, including T, stage and relapses.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between upregulation of TRAIL and poorly differentiated ethmoidal adenocarcinomas suggests that the mutation of this gene, in combination with additional genetic events, could play a role in the pathogenesis of ITAC.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
M
M
Re
A
A
Santarelli
M
M
Mascitti
F
F
Bambini
L
L
Lo Muzio
A
A
Zizzi
C
C
Rubini
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000368:Aged; D005005:Ethmoid Sinus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / Q000378:metabolism*
D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand