Universal markers of thyroid malignancies: galectin-3, HBME-1, and cytokeratin-19.

Abstract

Difficulties in diagnosis of thyroid lesions, even with histologic analysis, are well known. This study has been carried on to evaluate the role of immunohistochemical markers including galectin-3, Hector Battifora mesothelial cell-1 (HBME-1), and cytokeratin-19 in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid lesions. The expressions of galectin-3, HBME-1, and cytokeratin-19 were tested in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 458 surgically resected thyroid lesions including non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. Immunostaining with standard avidin-biotin complex technique was performed by using monoclonal antibodies. In malignant neoplastic thyroid lesions, galectin-3, HBME-1, and cytokeratin-19 were diffusely expressed in general. Diffuse expression rates of these three markers were 72.3% (47/65), 70.7% (46/65), and 76.9% (50/65), respectively. The use of galectin-3, HBME-1, and cytokeratin-19 may provide significant contributions in the differential diagnosis of malignant thyroid tumors. Although focal galectin-3, HBME-1, and cytokeratin-19 expression may be encountered in benign lesions, diffuse positive reactions for these three markers are characteristic of malignant lesions. It has concluded that cytokeratin-19 alone and its combinations with other markers were more sensitive in accurate diagnosis of papillary carcinoma than the other combinations; meanwhile, there were similar results for follicular carcinomas with HBME-1 alone and its combinations.

• Authors: Figen Barut, Nilufer Onak Kandemir, Sibel Bektas, Burak Bahadir, Sevinc Keser, Sukru Oguz Ozdamar
• Journal: Endocrine pathology (Endocr Pathol) Vol. 21 Issue 2 Pg. 80-9 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 1559-0097 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20198455 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Galectin 3
• HBME-1 antigen
• Keratin-19

Topics

• Biomarkers, Tumor (analysis, biosynthesis)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Galectin 3 (biosynthesis)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Keratin-19 (biosynthesis)
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Thyroid Diseases (diagnosis, genetics, metabolism)
• Thyroid Neoplasms (diagnosis, genetics, metabolism)