Immunohistochemical Study for the Syndecan-1, E-cadher in and Beta-catenin Expressions in Epidermal Tumors

Shin, Bong Seok; Choi, Kyu Chul; Kim, Hae Ryun; Kim, Min Sung

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Syndecan-1, E-cadherin and beta-catenin are cell adhesion molecules that are primarily expressed on the surface of adult epithelial cells. The expressions of them appear to be inversely correlated with tumor aggressiveness and invasiveness.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressions of syndecan-1, E-cadherin and beta-catenin in tissue sections of normal sun-damaged skin, cutaneous premalignant lesions and squamous cell carcinoma in all stages of the evolution of lesions associated with sun exposure.
METHODS
Ten normal skins from patients with actinic keratosis, 10 cases of seborrheic keratosis, 5 cases of actinic keratosis, 5 cases of Bowen's disease, 5 cases of keratoacanthoma without dysplatic cells, 5 cases of keratoacanthoma with dysplastic cells in an invasive margin, 5 cases of poor-differentiated squqmous cell carcinoma and 5 cases of acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma were investigated. The specimens were assessed for the syndecan-1, E-cadherin and beta-catenin expressions using a semi-quantitative method in which the intensity of membranous staining was evaluated.
RESULTS
In almost all the cases the expression of the E-cadherin and beta-catenin was very similar. These adhesion molecules were progressively reduced in the epidermis of normal sun-damaged skin through premalignant lesions to squamous cell carcinoma. Also, the expression of syndecan-1 was similar to the E-cadherin and beta-catenin expressions except for a normal expression in premalignant lesions. But all three adhesion molecules were diminished with decreasing cell differentiation.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that syndecan-1, E-cadherin and beta-catenin are expressed similarly in the epithelium, and that the decreased expression of these adhesion molecules is associated with malignant transformation.