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Potential Role of PTEN and AKT/PKB Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Ovarian Mature Teratomas
Jarosław Bal1, Lukasz Fulawka2, Marian Gabryś3
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, A. Falkiewicz Specialist Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland.
Background/Aim:
Mature teratomas constitute over 95% of ovarian teratomas and account for more than 44% of all ovarian tumors and over 58% of benign ovarian lesions. The pathogenesis of these tumors is hypothesized to involve disruptions in primary germ cell development, with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway potentially playing a crucial role. This study aimed to analyze the importance of the PTEN protein and its associated signalling pathway, particularly in relation to AKT kinase activation, in the pathogenesis of mature ovarian teratomas.
Materials And Methods:
Surgical specimens from 117 patients with mature ovarian teratomas and control tissues from contralateral ovaries were analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of PTEN and phosphorylated AKT (P-AKT/PKB), a key component of the PI3K/AKT pathway regulated by PTEN. Expression levels were assessed using the semi-quantitative Remmele Immunoreactive Score (IRS).
Results:
An inverse pattern was observed in PTEN expression, with a higher overall IRS score in the study group despite a lower proportion of PTEN-positive cells. The expression of P-AKT protein was elevated in the studied group, both in terms of IRS score and the percentage of P-AKT reactive cells.
Conclusion:
The study supports a potential role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in the pathogenesis of mature ovarian teratomas, as evidenced by increased P-AKT expression. The role of PTEN, however, remains unclear due to contradictory findings. Further research with larger control groups is warranted to clarify these observations.
Insights
The PI3K/AKT pathway may play a role in mature ovarian teratomas, with elevated P-AKT. PTEN
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Mature teratomas are common ovarian tumors, often benign.
- The PI3K/AKT pathway is implicated in their development.
- PTEN's role in this pathway requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of PTEN and phosphorylated AKT (P-AKT) in mature ovarian teratomas.
- To assess the relationship between PTEN, P-AKT, and the PI3K/AKT pathway in teratoma pathogenesis.
- To elucidate the role of PTEN in mature ovarian teratoma development.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 117 mature ovarian teratoma specimens and control tissues.
- Semi-quantitative assessment of PTEN and P-AKT expression using the Remmele Immunoreactive Score (IRS).
- Evaluation of PI3K/AKT pathway activation through P-AKT levels.
Main Results:
- Elevated P-AKT expression was observed in mature ovarian teratomas.
- PTEN expression showed an inverse pattern, with higher overall IRS despite fewer positive cells.
- These findings suggest increased PI3K/AKT pathway activity.
Conclusions:
- The PI3K/AKT pathway is potentially involved in mature ovarian teratoma pathogenesis.
- The specific role of PTEN remains uncertain due to conflicting results.
- Further studies are needed to clarify PTEN's function and validate these findings.
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