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Published on: November 28, 2019
Relation of Osteopontin Expression to Tumor-Associated Macrophages-Derived Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1
Marwa A Abd El-Azeem1, Shaimaa M M Bebars2
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Background:
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Non-small lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most frequently encountered type Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein with multiple functions including malignant tumor propagation and invasion. Tumor-associated macrophages 2 (M2-TAMs) are crucial for malignant tumor invasion, they secrete several cytokines. One of these is transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a major immune suppressive cytokine. This work aimed to study the relation of OPN expression in tumor cells of NSCLC to M2-TAMs and their derived TGF-β1 expression and the association of these biomarkers' expression to clinicopathological factors.
Materials And Methods:
OPN expression, M2-TAMs, and their derived TGF-β1 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in 52 specimens of NSCLC. M2-TAMs were identified by staining with CD136. The immunohistochemical evaluation was performed semi-quantitatively according to the staining intensity and the percentage of stained cells.
Results:
OPN overexpression in tumor cells of NSCLC was significantly linked to spread through alveolar spaces (STAS), advanced Tumor (T) stage, and lymph node metastasis. Increased M2-TAMs infiltration (high CD163 score) and their expression of TGF-β1were associated with STAS, advanced T stage, and lymph node invasion. A positive correlation was found between OPN, CD163, and TGF-β1expression.
Conclusion:
OPN overexpression in tumor cells of NSCLC, high CD163 scores, and high TAM-derived TGF-β1 expression is significantly associated with adverse clinicopathological factors.
