Immunohistochemical expression of OCT4 and CD44 in major and minor salivary gland neoplasms

Immunohistochemical comparative analysis of tumor stem cell biomarkers in pleomorphic adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the immunoexpression profile of tumor stem cell (TSC) biomarkers CD44, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), OCT4, and SOX2 in salivary gland tumors (SGTs).

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty tissue specimens of SGTs, including 20 pleomorphic adenomas, 20 adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs), and 20 mucoepidermoid carcinomas, in addition to 4 samples of normal glandular tissue, were subjected to immunohistochemistry. The expression of the biomarkers in the parenchyma and stroma was evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically by nonparametric tests (P < .05).

RESULTS

Higher parenchymal expression of ALDH1, OCT4, and SOX2 was observed in pleomorphic adenomas, ACCs, and mucoepidermoid carcinomas, respectively. Most ACCs did not express ALDH1. Higher immunoexpression of ALDH1 in major SGTs (P = .021) and of OCT4 in minor SGTs (P = .011) was found. Immunoexpression of SOX2 was related to lesions without myoepithelial differentiation (P < .001) and malignant behavior (P = .002). Furthermore, OCT4 was related to myoepithelial differentiation (P = .009). CD44 expression was related to a better prognosis. Stromal immunoexpressions of CD44, ALDH1, and OCT4 were higher in malignant SGTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the participation of TSCs in the pathogenesis of SGTs. We emphasize the need for further investigations into the presence and role of TSCs in the stroma of these lesions.

Heterogeneity and versatility of the extracellular matrix during the transition from pleomorphic adenoma to carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma: cumulative findings from basic research and new insights

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common salivary gland tumor, accounting for 50%-60% of these neoplasms. If untreated, 6.2% of PA may undergo malignant transformation to carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA). CXPA is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor, whose prevalence represents approximately 3%-6% of all salivary gland tumors. Although the pathogenesis of the PA-CXPA transition remains unclear, CXPA development requires the participation of cellular components and the tumor microenvironment for its progression. The extracellular matrix (ECM) comprises a heterogeneous and versatile network of macromolecules synthesized and secreted by embryonic cells. In the PA-CXPA sequence, ECM is formed by a variety of components including collagen, elastin, fibronectin, laminins, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and other glycoproteins, mainly secreted by epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. Like in other tumors including breast cancer, ECM changes play an important role in the PA-CXPA sequence. This review summarizes what is currently known about the role of ECM during CXPA development.

CD44+/CD24- Expression as predictors of ovarian cancer chemoresistance: immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry study

Background

The conventional standard treatment for ovarian cancer is not very effective, and the disease is fatal for women. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) that express CD44+/CD24- can contribute to chemoresistance and a poor prognosis. We seek to investigate the expression of CSCs (CD44+/CD24-) in ovarian cancer and their predictive significance.

Methods

The ambispective cohort was performed on 64 patients (32 patients in each group) at four hospitals (Cipto Mangunkusumo, Tarakan, Fatmawati, and Dharmais Hospital). Debulking surgery was performed on the patients, followed by histopathological analysis. The patients had six rounds of chemotherapy and were under monitoring for six months. The therapeutic responses were evaluated using the RECIST criteria (Response Criteria in Solid Tumors) and categorized as chemoresistant or chemosensitive. Using immunohistochemistry, we directly assess the CSCs from ovarian cancer tissue and using flow cytometry to assess the CSCs from the blood.

Results

High CSCs expression and ovarian cancer chemoresistance were significantly related in both trials (p 0.05). A better outcome was obtained using CD44+/CD24- immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions

We conclude that there is a substantial association between high CSCs expression and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer and that CSCs immunohistochemistry has a higher predictive value.

Evaluation of CD44s, CD44v6, CXCR2, CXCL1, and IL-1β in Benign and Malignant Tumors of Salivary Glands

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported an association between high expression of CD44 in different types of cancer. However, no study has reported a link among CD44 expression, other biomarkers, and the aggressiveness of salivary gland tumors.

METHODS

A total of 38 specimens were obtained from non-tumorous salivary glands, benign and malignant tumors in salivary glands. Immunohistochemical analyses of CD44s, CD44v6, IL-1β, CXCL1, and CXCR2 were performed, and the area of positive cells was assessed.

RESULTS

We found that both CD44s and CXCR2 expression were increased in the benign and malignant groups. CD44v6 was also increased in both groups, but it had the highest level in the malignant group. IL-1β was the only biomarker that increased significantly in the malignant group in comparison to the other two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CD44s, CD44v6, CXCR2, and IL-1β expressions were found to be higher in salivary gland tumors. However, IL-1β alone may play a crucial role in the aggressiveness of salivary gland tumors as this cytokine was expressed only in the malignant group with high expression associated with high-grade malignancy.