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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Evaluation of Stem Cell Properties in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Using Multi and Single Cell-based Spheres Assays
Published on: January 3, 2015
Stromal Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Its Association with Ovarian Cancer
Cid A Lima1, Millena P Jammal, Agrimaldo Martins-Filho
1Research Institute of Oncology (IPON)/Discipline of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
Background/Aims:
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Higher levels of GDF-15 have been associated with malignancy. The aim of the study was to evaluate both tissue and serum levels of GDF-15 in ovarian neoplasms.
Methods:
A cohort study evaluated 31 patients with benign ovarian tumors and 34 patients with ovarian cancer were evaluated in 2 years. The inclusion criterion was histopathological diagnosis of ovarian epithelial neoplasia. Exclusion criteria were secondary malignant ovarian neoplasia and preoperative treatment. Serum and tissue levels of GDF-15 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Chi-square test and unpaired t test were performed.
Results:
Serum levels were higher in the patients with malignant neoplasms than in the patients with benign tumors, yet the difference was not statistically significant. GDF-15 immunostaining was significantly more frequent in the stroma of the malignant tumors than in the stroma of the benign tumors (p = 0.0034).
Conclusion:
GDF-15 staining is elevated in the stroma of ovarian cancer, demonstrating that it may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target.
