Related Experiment Videos
Immunohistochemical expression of cathepsin D in meningiomas
Elias A Castilla1, Richard A Prayson, Caroline M Abramovich
1Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Abstract:
We retrospectively studied the expression of cathepsin D by immunohistochemical analysis in 86 meningiomas (World Health Organization [WHO] grade I, n = 44; WHO grade II, n = 21; WHO grade III, n = 21) and correlated the results with tumor grade and outcome. Staining was scored semiquantitatively based on distribution among neoplastic cells as follows: 0, no staining; 1+, 5% or less of the cells; 2+, 6% to 20%; 3+, 21% to 50%; and 4+, more than 50% of the cells. Cathepsin D expression was observed as follows: 0, 10 cases (12%); 1+, 25 cases (29%); 2+, 15 cases (17%); 3+, 12 cases (14%); and 4+, 24 cases (28%). A higher degree of cathepsin D immunostaining was associated with low tumor grade (P = .0014), low mitotic count (P < .0001), low apoptotic count (P < .0001), and the development of recurrence (P = .035). There was no correlation with outcome or MIB-1 proliferation index. Cathepsin D expression by immunohistochemical analysis was identified in the majority (88% [76/86]) of meningiomas studied. A greater degree of immunoreactivity was observed in the WHO grade I group.
Insights
Cathepsin D expression, assessed by immunohistochemistry, was found in most meningiomas. Higher cathepsin D levels correlated with lower tumor grade and reduced recurrence risk, suggesting a potential biomarker for meningioma.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Meningiomas are primary tumors of the central nervous system, graded by the World Health Organization (WHO) into I, II, and III based on malignancy.
- Understanding molecular markers associated with meningioma grade and behavior is crucial for predicting patient outcomes and guiding treatment strategies.
- Cathepsin D, a lysosomal aspartic protease, has been implicated in various cellular processes, including tumor growth and invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of cathepsin D in a cohort of meningiomas.
- To correlate cathepsin D expression levels with World Health Organization (WHO) tumor grade, mitotic and apoptotic indices, and recurrence.
- To evaluate the potential of cathepsin D as a prognostic biomarker in meningioma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 86 meningioma tissue samples.
- Immunohistochemical assessment of cathepsin D expression, semiquantitatively scored based on cellular distribution.
- Correlation of cathepsin D staining intensity with WHO tumor grade, mitotic count, apoptotic count, MIB-1 proliferation index, and clinical outcome (recurrence).
Main Results:
- Cathepsin D expression was detected in 88% of the meningiomas studied.
- A higher degree of cathepsin D immunostaining was significantly associated with lower WHO tumor grades (P = .0014), lower mitotic counts (P < .0001), and lower apoptotic counts (P < .0001).
- Increased cathepsin D expression also correlated with a reduced risk of tumor recurrence (P = .035), while no correlation was found with the MIB-1 proliferation index or overall outcome.
Conclusions:
- Cathepsin D is frequently expressed in meningiomas, with higher levels predominantly observed in lower-grade tumors.
- The inverse correlation between cathepsin D expression and tumor grade, mitotic/apoptotic activity, and recurrence suggests its potential role as a favorable prognostic marker.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of cathepsin D in meningioma pathogenesis and its clinical utility.