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Apoptosis and expression of its regulatory proteins in soft tissue sarcomas
Tomoyuki Dan'ura1, Akira Kawai, Yuki Morimoto
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.
Abstract:
Information for the occurrence and extent of apoptosis in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and their clinical implication are limited. In 102 cases of STSs, apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method and expression of Bcl-2, Bax, MIB-1 and p53 protein was examined immunohistochemically. The apoptotic index of the STSs ranged from 0 to 15% with an average value of 1.9%. The mean values of positive cell staining for Bcl-2, Bax, MIB-1 and p53 protein were 32.1, 40.8, 17.0 and 20.3%, respectively. The extent of apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 protein were correlated to the histologic types of the tumor. Synovial sarcoma had a significantly higher expression of Bcl-2 protein, and lower incidence of apoptosis. STS underwent apoptosis at a constitutional level. There were no significant relationships between extent of the apoptosis, expression of its regulatory proteins and prognosis of the patients.
Insights
Apoptosis occurs in soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) but its extent and relation to patient prognosis are unclear. This study found no significant link between apoptosis levels, regulatory protein expression, and STS patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Information on apoptosis occurrence and clinical implications in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is limited.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for potentially improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and extent of apoptosis in STS.
- To examine the expression of apoptosis-regulatory proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, MIB-1, p53).
- To determine the clinical implications and prognostic value of apoptosis and related proteins in STS.
Main Methods:
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis detection.
- Immunohistochemical examination of Bcl-2, Bax, MIB-1, and p53 protein expression.
- Analysis of 102 STS cases.
Main Results:
- The apoptotic index in STS ranged from 0-15%, averaging 1.9%.
- Mean protein expression levels were: Bcl-2 (32.1%), Bax (40.8%), MIB-1 (17.0%), and p53 (20.3%).
- Apoptosis extent and Bcl-2 expression correlated with histologic type; synovial sarcoma showed higher Bcl-2 and lower apoptosis.
- No significant relationships were found between apoptosis, protein expression, and patient prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Soft tissue sarcomas exhibit apoptosis at a constitutional level.
- Apoptosis extent and regulatory protein expression do not appear to be significant prognostic indicators for STS patients.
- Further research may be needed to identify reliable prognostic markers in STS.