Expression of mucin-1, galectin-1 and galectin-3 in human leiomyosarcoma in comparison to leiomyoma and myometrium.

BACKGROUND The potential mechanism of malignant transformation from leiomyoma to leiomyosarcoma is still debated. The aim was the evaluation of expression patterns of mucin-1 (MUC1) (MUC1 VU-4-H5), galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in human myometrium and leiomyoma and in comparison to leiomyosarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Myometrium, leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma tissues were obtained from 79 patients. Samples were analyzed regarding the expression of MUC1, Gal-1 and Gal-3 by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded material. RESULTS The expression of MUC1 (VU4-H5) was up-regulated in leiomyoma (p = 0.065) and leiomyosarcoma (p = 0.039) as compared to the myometrium. In contrast, there were no significant differences in expression of Gal-3 in the tissues from the myometrium, myoma and leiomyosarcoma. Concerning Gal-1 expression, the differences were not significant comparing myometrium and leiomyosarcoma (p = 0.277). Myoma had elevated levels of Gal-1 compared to myometrium (p = 0.007) and leiomyosarcoma (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION MUC1 and Gal-1 might be useful for evaluating the potential of leiomyoma to transform into leiomyosarcoma and, therefore, help in risk-adapted consultation and adjusted treatment.