RESUMO
Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign neoplasm of both the major and minor salivary glands. The histological features are diverse and are characterized by the involvement of epithelial-myoepithelial structures. Metallothionein is a cysteine-rich protein present in myoepithelial cells of several benign and malignant neoplasms. The function of metallothionein is associated with DNA protection, oxidative stress and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of metallothionein in pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary glands. Additionally, we investigated the association of the clinicopathological features of the lesions with metallothionein, specifically its association with Bcl-2, in an attempt to evaluate the role of metallothionein in the control of apoptosis. Thirty-five cases of pleomorphic adenoma were selected and immunohistochemistry was performed for metallothionein and Bcl-2 proteins. The proteins were quantified by the Quickscore method. The samples showed epidemiological characteristics similar to those described in the literature. We did not find an association between the clinicopathological characteristics of pleomorphic adenomas and the proteins studied, but an association between metallothionein and Bcl-2 was demonstrated. The results suggest that metallothionein may have a role in the control of apoptosis in pleomorphic adenoma.
Assuntos
Adenoma Pleomorfo/metabolismo , Apoptose/fisiologia , Metalotioneína/metabolismo , Neoplasias das Glândulas Salivares/metabolismo , Adenoma Pleomorfo/patologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Biomarcadores Tumorais/metabolismo , Feminino , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica/métodos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-bcl-2/metabolismo , Neoplasias das Glândulas Salivares/patologia , Glândulas Salivares Menores/metabolismo , Glândulas Salivares Menores/patologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of salivary glands. This tumor is characterized by a great variability in clinical behavior, and little is known about the pathological mechanisms involved in its variance. Angiogenesis is an important step in tumor progression and is believed to be an essential event for metastatic dissemination. METHODS: We aimed to investigate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in mucoepidermoid carcinoma measuring the density of neoformed and lymphatic vessels using CD105 and D2-40 antibodies, respectively, and by immunohistochemical evaluation of VEGF-A and VEGF-C proteins. It was also investigated the expression of D2-40 in neoplastic cells. RESULTS: We studied 26 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which showed great angiogenic activity measured by neoformed vessel density. However, a low density of lymphatics was observed. VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and D2-40 were commonly detected in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, but only VEGF-A expression correlated with neoformed vessel density. Recurrence and nodal metastasis were associated with low VEGF-A expression and low neoformed vessel density, indicating that impaired angiogenesis could lead to an aggressive phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Angiogenesis seems important in the modulation of mucoepidermoid carcinoma pathogenesis; however, none of the parameters analyzed could predict tumor behavior.
