Investigator
Eu Business School Munich
Expression of Intracellular Galectin-8 and -9 in Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological cancer worldwide. Treatment has been improved in recent years; however, in advanced stages, therapeutic options are still limited. The expression of galectins is increased in several tumor types and that they are involved in important cell processes. Large studies on endometrial cancer are still pending; Specimens of 225 patients with EC were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies for Gal-8 and Gal-9. Expression was correlated with histopathological variables. The cytosolic expression of both galectins is associated with grading and survival. Cytosolic Galectin-8 expression is a positive prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), while nuclear Gal-8 expression correlates only to OS. The cytosolic presence of Galectin-9 is correlated with a better prognosis regarding OS. Our results suggest that expression of both galectins is associated with OS and PFS in EC. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.
The role of resveratrol, Sirtuin1 and RXRα as prognostic markers in ovarian cancer
Abstract Objective Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. Resveratrol (RSV) is known to alter metabolism in cancer. It affects the nuclear retinoid-X-receptor (RXR), which implies a modulating effect of RXR to gynaecologic cancers. Furthermore, RSV targets Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a histone deacetylase. Study design 123 tissue samples of patients with serous or mucinous ovarian cancer were examined for expression of Sirt1 and RXR. Ovarian cell lines were treated with RSV and consequences on viability and apoptosis were evaluated. The influence of RSV to Sirt1 and RXR expression was analyzed by western blotting Results A correlation of nuclear Sirt1 and RXRα expression could be detected ( p = 0.006). Co-expression of nuclear RXRα and cytoplasmic ( p = 0.026) or nuclear ( p = 0.041) Sirt1 was associated with significantly increased overall survival in advanced tumour stages. Viability was decreased in all cell lines after stimulation with resveratrol, while cell apoptosis was increased. RSV treatment led to significant lower Sirt1 expression in A2780 cells ( p = 0.025) and significant increased RXR expression in cisA2780 cells ( p = 0.012) Conclusion In order to use RSV as medical target, studies could be developed to improve the understanding of drug resistance mechanisms and consequently improve treatment outcome.
Galectin-8 and -9 as prognostic factors for cervical cancer
Abstract Purpose Galectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with multiple effects on cell biology. Research shows that they play an important role in tumor development and progression. Therefore, in this study, the presence of Galectin-8 and -9 (Gal), both already known as prognostic factors in other tumor entities, were investigated in cervical cancer. Our aim was to examine the association of Gal-8 and -9 expression with histopathological markers and survival of the patients. Methods Gal-8 and -9 expression was investigated in 250 cervical cancer samples by immunohistochemistry. The staining was evaluated using the immunoreactive score (IRS). The results were correlated to clinical and pathological data. The correlation of Gal-8 and -9 expression with overall and relapse-free survival was analyzed. Results Expression of Gal-8 was associated with negative N-status and lower FIGO status. Detection of Gal-9 was connected to negative N-status and lower grading regarding all specimens. A correlation of Gal-9 with lower FIGO status was detected for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) only. Expression of Gal-8 was associated with relapse-free survival of SCC patients in a positive manner. Gal-9 expression was associated with better overall survival. Conclusion Our results suggest that expression of both galectins is inversely associated with tumor stage and progression. Gal-8 expression is associated with relapse-free survival of patients with SCC, while presence of Gal-9 in cervical cancer is associated with a better prognosis in regard of overall survival.
