Apoptosis and Expressions of Apoptosis-Related Factors in Salivary Gland Tumors

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 2006;22(1):15-22.
Published online May 30, 2006.

Hye Kyoung Yoon;Mi Seon Kang;Jae Woo Yi;Sang Hyo Kim

타액선 종양의 세포자멸사 및 세포자멸사 연관 표지자 발현

윤혜경;강미선;이재우;김상효

Abstract

Objectives: The salivary gland tumor shows heterogeneity in histologic patterns and biological behavior. The aim of this study is to elucidate the relationships between apoptosis and expressions of apoptosis-related factors(bcl-2, bax, M30), p53 and MIB-1 in the salivary gland tumors.
Methods
Immunohistochemical stains for apoptosis-related factors, p53 and MIB-1 and TUNEL study for apoptosis were performed in 46 cases of salivary gland tumors 02 benign and 34 malignant).
Results
Twenty(43.5%) of 46 cases showed positive reaction for apoptosis, and the expression rates of bcl-2, bax, M30, p53 and MIB-1 were 85.3%, 68.8%, 65.9%, 39.1% and 26.1%, respectively. A significant difference between benign and malignant tumors was only noted in MIB-1 expression(p=0.0167). In malignant tumors, apoptosis showed no significant relationships to expressions of apoptosis-related factors. There were inverse relationships between p53 and bcl-2 expression(p=0.0375), and between M30 and MIB-1 expressions(p=0.0379). No significant differences of apoptosis, bcl-2, bax, M30, p53 and MIB-1 expression rates according to the tumor size, lymph node status, recurrence and survival were found.
Conclusion
In the development of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, apoptosis might be associated, however, apoptosis and expressions of apoptosis-related factors seemed to be not reliable prognostic factors in malignant salivary gland tumors.

Key Words: Apoptosis, bcl-2, bax, M30, p53, MIB-1, Salivary gland