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TLR-4 expression and decrease in chronic inflammation: indicators of aggressive follicular thyroid carcinoma

Jaana Hagström1, Annukka Heikkilä, Päivi Siironen

  • 1Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland. jaana.hagstrom@hus.fi

Journal of Clinical Pathology
|January 24, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) expression and inflammation levels in follicular thyroid cancer can indicate aggressive disease. Varying TLR-4 levels and a lack of inflammation are associated with metastatic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Follicular thyroid carcinoma typically has a good prognosis with rare metastases.
  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play complex roles in immunity and cancer, with controversial effects on tumourigenesis.
  • Chronic inflammation is implicated in the development of various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical significance of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and CD45 in follicular thyroid neoplasias.
  • To correlate these markers with tumour aggressiveness and metastatic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical analysis of TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression in 127 follicular thyroid neoplasms (adenomas and carcinomas).
  • Quantification of CD45-positive lymphocytes to assess chronic inflammation within and around tumours.
  • Correlation of marker expression and inflammation with clinical variables, including metastasis.

Main Results:

  • Both high and low TLR-4 expression in carcinomas were linked to metastatic and aggressive disease.
  • TLR-4 expression was significantly higher in oxyphilic adenomas and carcinomas.
  • Reduced chronic inflammation outside the primary tumour correlated with metastasized carcinomas.

Conclusions:

  • Aberrant TLR-4 expression and diminished inflammation are indicators of aggressive follicular thyroid cancer.
  • These findings suggest potential biomarkers for predicting disease behavior in follicular thyroid neoplasias.

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