Korean J Dermatol.
2009 Feb;47(2):148-153.
The Expression of HSP105 in Spitz Nevus and Malignant Melanoma
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- 2Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Department of Dermatology, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Korea. MKcho2001@hanmail.net
- 5Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Korea.
- 6Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Spitz nevus and malignant melanoma have common features clinically and histologically, and in some cases it is impossible to distinguish between the two. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) serve to protect cells, and are activated by cell injury. Some HSPs are shown to be elevated in many types of cancers. Previous studies have reported the expression of heat shock protein in association with melanoma; however, a similar relationship with Spitz nevi has never been investigated.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to measure the expression pattern of HSP 105 in both Spitz nevi and melanomas.
METHODS
The specimens of 4 of Spitz nevi and 10 of malignant melanomas were analyzed for heat shock protein 105 expression through immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS
Immunohistochemical examination of HSP 105 showed strong expression in malignant melanoma specimens. On the other hand, weak expression was observed in Spitz nevus specimens. The degree of expression of HSP 105 showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
These findings provide the possibility of using HSP 105 as a effective marker for differentiating between Spitz nevi and malignant melanomas. In support of this, HSP 105 is considered to be a tumor-associated antigen of malignant melanoma.
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