Bcl‑2 and galectin‑3 expression is associated with recurrence of ameloblastoma

Abstract

Background: Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm with a high recurrence rate.
Identifying cellular and molecular changes in this neoplasm may help predict the recurrence risk.
Bcl‑2 and galectin‑3 are anti‑apoptotic proteins associated with the prognosis of many neoplasms.
However, there are a few studies focusing on the association between these two markers and
recurrence of ameloblastoma. This study aimed to investigate the association of Bcl‑2 plus
galectin‑3 expression and recurrence of ameloblastoma.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross‑sectional study was designed on 48
paraffin‑embedded blocks diagnosed as ameloblastoma from 1998 to 2019. We retrieved follow‑up
data from patients’ records and used immunohistochemical staining for Bcl‑2 and galectin‑3 antibodies.
Then, we analyzed their association with recurrence using Chi‑square and Mann–Whitney test as well
as recurrence‑free survival using Kaplan–Meier curves and linear Cox regression. The level of statistical
significance was P < 0.05.
Results: Twenty‑six patients had experienced the recurrence. The mean follow‑up time was
93.53 months. There was a significant association between Bcl‑2 plus cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining
and recurrence (both P < 0.001). Furthermore, in univariate analysis, high expression of Bcl‑2 was
associated with less recurrence‑free survival (log‑rank: P = 0.020‑univariable Cox: P = 0.033), but in
multiple Cox regression, there was no significant association (P = 0.471). High cytoplasmic galectin‑3
expression was also associated with less recurrence‑free survival (log‑rank: P = 0.007‑univariable
Cox: P = 0.015‑multiple Cox: P = 0.044). Furthermore, we found a correlation between Bcl‑2 and
cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that Bcl‑2 and cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining might predict the risk
of ameloblastoma recurrence. However, only the cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining might be an
independent predictor of ameloblastoma recurrence, and we recommend further studies.
Key Words: Ameloblastoma, apoptosis, Bcl‑2 protein, galectin 3, recurrence

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Nazanin Mahdavi: Pubmed,Google Scholar