Immunoexpression of progesterone receptor, epithelial growth factor receptor and galectin-3 in uterine smooth muscle tumors.

Uterine smooth muscle tumors constitute a spectrum of neoplasms. Diagnosis of leiomyomas (LMs) is usually straight forwards; however, atypical leiomyomas (ALMs) and smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) have overlapping features and need to be distinguished from leiomyosarcoma. To evaluate progesterone receptor (PR), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGF-R), and galectin-3 expression in LMs, ALMs, STUMPs, and leiomyosarcomas and to assess their possible role in differentiating those tumors. Immunoexpression of EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 were studied in 44 cases of uterine smooth muscle tumors through retrospective study. Studied cases included 20 LM, 9 ALM, 5 STUMP, and 10 leiomyosarcomas. A semiquantitative score was used to evaluate immunohistochemical staining. EGF-R overexpression was detected in leiomyosarcomas while a lack of or reduced EGF-R expression was observed in the nonsarcomatous group (LMs, ALMs, and STUMPs) with a highly significant difference. On the contrary, there was weak or negative PR staining in leiomyosarcomas compared to intense PR expression in the nonsarcomatous group with a highly significant difference. Meanwhile, galectin-3 was downregulated in leiomyosarcomas compared to the nonsarcomatous group with a significant difference. Correlation analysis revealed negative correlation between EGF-R and PR expression with significant statistical results while correlation of galectin-3 with EGF-R and PR showed insignificant statistical results. Immunoexpression of EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 could help differentiate challenging cases of uterine smooth muscle tumors. Further studies are recommended to investigate interactions between EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 and to plan new therapeutic strategies.

Correlation between serum leptin and its gene expression to the anthropometric measures in overweight and obese children.

Obesity is a multifactor disorder with evidence supporting the role of the genetic factor in its etiology. The present study evaluates the relationship between leptin G2548A (rs7799039) and leptin receptors (Gln223Arg (rs1137101) genotyping and its leptin level and the risk of childhood obesity. This case-control study was conducted on 168 overweight and obese Saudi children and 126 non obese one served as control. Fasting insulin, leptin, blood glucose, lipid profile levels were measured. HOMA- IR, and BMI were assessed. Genotyping of leptin and leptin receptor gene variants was done by SNP real-time PCR method. GG genotype and G allele of rs1137101 were significantly higher in overweight and obese children than controls. It showed significant association with risk of obesity OR 7.1 [ 95% CI: 3.4 - 14.8] and OR 2.8 [ 95% CI: 2.0 - 4.1] respectively. Leptin level was significantly greater in patients than controls (p<0.000*) with GG and AG genotypes having the highest level of leptin when compared with another genotype in the obese group. As regards, rs7799039 AA genotype showed significant higher leptin level than other genotypes in the same group with a non-significant difference in genotypes distribution between obese and controls. rs1137101 variant of leptin receptor and fasting leptin level are correlated with overweight and obesity in Saudi children. The GG genotype of leptin receptors rs1137101 and higher serum leptin levels can be used as risk factors for childhood obesity.