2026-05-13T18:52:37Z https://www.peertechzpublications.org/oai-pmh

oai:www.peertechzpublications.org:10.17352/aprc.000020 2017-04-20 PTZ.APRC:VOL3

Mucin Production Correlates with Dual Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Its Ligand the Epidermal Growth Factor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Rancés Blanco Charles E Rengifo Elizabeth Domínguez Damián Blanco Mercedes CedeñoEnrique Rengifo<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> Mucoproduction plays an important role in the processes of tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mucins hypersecretion has been associated with alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. However, the relation of mucins with EGFR in these tumors is not completely clarified. </p><p><strong>Aims:</strong> To evaluate the relation between mucoproduction, the expression of EGFR and its&nbsp; ligand the epidermal growth factor (EGF) in NSCLC samples. </p><p><strong>Materials&nbsp; and&nbsp; Methods:</strong> A number of 71&nbsp; routinely&nbsp; processed&nbsp; formalin-fixed&nbsp; and paraffin-embedded archival samples with diagnosis of NSCLC were used. Mucoproduction was considered when periodic acid-Schiff reaction (PAS) positive and/or alcian blue positive substances were observed. The immunolocalization of EGFR and EGF molecules were detected by mean of immunohistochemical methods. Chi-square test was applied to compare two or three different parameters. In all cases, the criterion for statistical significance was p&lt;0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The production of mucins was related with the occurrence of metastasis (p = 0.0151) as well as, with a more advanced stage of NSCLC disease (p = 0.0409). The presence of mucin was statistically significant associated to histology (p &lt; 0.0001) and degree of cytological atypia (p = 0.0325). The expression of&nbsp; EGFR&nbsp; was&nbsp; associated with mucin&nbsp; hyperproduction&nbsp; (p&nbsp; =&nbsp; 0.0205). The&nbsp; levels of mucin production&nbsp; was statistical&nbsp; significant&nbsp; increase&nbsp; in&nbsp; NSCLC&nbsp; samples&nbsp; displaying&nbsp; double&nbsp; expression&nbsp; of&nbsp; EGFR&nbsp; and&nbsp; EGF (p=0.0297) when compared with EGFR-/EGF+ and EGFR-/EGF-. </p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The&nbsp; results&nbsp; obtained&nbsp; in&nbsp; the&nbsp; present&nbsp; work&nbsp; could&nbsp; support&nbsp; the&nbsp; role&nbsp; of uncontrolled&nbsp; EGFR system activation mediated by the ligand EGF in NSCLC mucins hyperproduction as well as its relation with tumor progression and metastasis processes.</p> Archives of Pulmonology and Respiratory Care - Peertechz Publications 2017-04-20 Research Article https://doi.org/10.17352/aprc.000020 en Copyright © Rancés Blanco et al.