J Korean Thyroid Assoc.  2012 May;5(1):45-51. 10.11106/jkta.2012.5.1.45.

Immunohistochemical Expression of CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 and Galectin-3 in Follicular Tumors of Thyroid

• Park JE
• Kim BK
• Gwoo S
• Park YH
• Choi YS
• Kim YO

• KMID: 2198435
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/jkta.2012.5.1.45

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Follicular tumors can present a difficult diagnostic challenge for cytological evaluation and ultrasound findings. Therefore, new methods which could help distinguish follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma simply and accurately are greatly desired. This study investigated the usefulness of immnunohistochemical expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and galectin-3 as marker of differentiated thyroid carcinomas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Expression of CXCR4 and galectin-3 were examined immunohistochemically in the 60 paraffin embedded tissues which were already diagnosed as follicular adenoma (n=20), follicullar carcinoma (n=20), and papillary carcinoma (n=20) of thyroid.
RESULTS
Galatin-3 was expressed significantly high in follicular carcinoma than follicular adenoma (p=0.022). CXCR4 was also expressed significantly high in follicular carcinoma than follicular adenoma (p=0.027). The sensitivity of CXCR4 and galectin-3 was 70% and 80% and specificity, 65% and 60% for differential diagnosis of follicular tumors.
CONCLUSION
An immunohistochemical panel, including galatin-3 and CXCR4, could be useful in the differential diagnosis between follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma.

Keyword

Follicular tumor; Galectin-3; CXCR4

MeSH Terms

Adenoma
Carcinoma, Papillary
Diagnosis, Differential
Galectin 3
Paraffin
Receptors, CXCR
Receptors, CXCR4
Sensitivity and Specificity
Thyroid Gland
Galectin 3
Paraffin
Receptors, CXCR
Receptors, CXCR4

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