Abstract:
Objective This paper aimed to determine the characteristics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis in pulmonary adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary pattern(MPPAC).
Methods Based on the new diagnostic criteria for lung adenocarcinoma classification(published in 2011), 120 cases of lung adenocarcinoma were divided into micropapillary pattern (MPP)-positive(n=64)and MPP-negative(n=54)groups.The expression of vimentin, E-cadherin, caspase-3, and pEGFR in pulmonary adenocarcinoma tissue specimens was determined by immunohistochemical assay.
Results pEGFR expression in 120 cases of lung adenocarcinoma was higher in female(P=0.035)and nonsmoking(P=0.017)patients.Vimentin expression was higher in the MPP-positive(28.1%)than MPP-negative(16.1%)groups, and mostly located in scattered cells in the MPP cavity.Caspase-3 expression was significantly higher in the MPP-positive group(P=0.001).
Conclusion Scattered cells in the MPP cavity have a mesenchymal phenotype, which may favor invasion and metastasis, indicating a unique characteristic of MPPAC.