Assessment of the localization of chondroitin sulfate in various types of endometrial carcinoma

Sho Hosokawa ¹, Yoshiaki Norimatsu ¹, Akiko Shinagawa ²

⁰Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ehime Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ehime, Japan.

Plos One +

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May 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) localization in endometrial carcinoma (EC) stroma varies by subtype and grade. CS is abundant in low-grade endometrioid EC but decreases with higher grades, and shows distinct patterns in serous EC.

Area Of Science

Gynecologic Pathology
Extracellular Matrix Biology
Cancer Research

Background

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a key component of the extracellular matrix.
Its role in the stromal microenvironment of endometrial carcinoma (EC) is not fully understood.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the precise localization of chondroitin sulfate (CS) within the stromal compartment of different types and grades of endometrial carcinoma (EC).

Main Methods

Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect CS in 26 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC) samples (varying grades) and 10 endometrial serous carcinoma (ESC) samples.
Alcian Blue (AB) staining was utilized as a secondary method to confirm CS distribution patterns.

Main Results

In low-grade EEC (G1), CS was prominent in the fibrovascular stroma supporting glandular structures.
CS localization diminished in the periglandular stroma as EEC grade increased, with a return to interstitial patterns.
In ESC, CS was detected in thick fibrous strands but showed weak reactivity in delicate stromal regions.

Conclusions

The study characterized the distinct stromal localization patterns of CS in various EC subtypes and grades.
Findings offer novel insights into endometrial stromal composition and its potential role in EC progression.