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ATG7 immunohistochemical expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma. A preliminary report
Venerando Rapisarda1, Giuseppe Broggi2, Rosario Caltabiano2
1Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
Literature evidence has demonstrated a high incidence of asbestos-related malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in a Sicilian town (Biancavilla, Italy), where fluoro-edenite (FE) fibers were discovered some decades ago. As ATG7 immunohistochemical analysis has been ascribed as a prognostic tool of improved survival, we decided to investigate, in MPM patients, exposed and not exposed to FE fibers, the immunohistochemical expression of this autophagy-related protein named ATG7. We analyzed the correlation between ATG7 immunohistochemical level and clinicopathological parameters. Twenty MPM tissue samples, from patients with available clinical and follow-up data, were included in paraffin and processed for immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical results confirmed activation of the autophagic process in MPM. Densitometric and morphometric expressions of ATG7 were significantly increased in MPMs when compared to the control tissues. A significant association of a high level of ATG7 with increased survival was demonstrated, with a mean overall survival (OS) of 12.5 months for patients with high expression vs. a mean OS of 4.5 months for patients with low ATG7 expression. In addition, a significant correlation between ATG7 expression and the survival time of MPM patients was observed. This study represents a starting point to hypothesize the prognostic role of ATG7 which could be a reliable prognostic indicator in MPM.
Insights
High levels of autophagy-related protein ATG7 indicate better survival for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients. This finding could establish ATG7 as a reliable prognostic indicator for MPM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) incidence is high in Biancavilla, Sicily, linked to fluoro-edenite (FE) fiber exposure.
- Autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) immunohistochemistry is a potential prognostic tool for improved survival in MPM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ATG7 immunohistochemical expression in MPM patients exposed and unexposed to FE fibers.
- To analyze the correlation between ATG7 expression levels and clinicopathological parameters in MPM.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 20 MPM tissue samples using immunohistochemistry.
- Densitometric and morphometric assessment of ATG7 expression.
- Correlation analysis with clinical and follow-up data.
Main Results:
- Autophagic process activation was confirmed in MPM tissues.
- ATG7 expression was significantly increased in MPMs compared to control tissues.
- High ATG7 levels correlated with significantly increased overall survival (12.5 months vs. 4.5 months).
Conclusions:
- ATG7 expression is significantly associated with survival time in MPM patients.
- Elevated ATG7 levels may serve as a reliable prognostic indicator for improved survival in MPM.
- This study provides a basis for hypothesizing the prognostic role of ATG7 in MPM.
