Ogino LL, Lamback EB, Guterres A, de Azeredo Lima CH, Henriques DG, Barbosa MA, Silva DA, da Silva Camacho AH, Chimelli L, Kasuki L, Gadelha MR. Telomerase expression in clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas.
Endocrine 2021;
72:208-215. [PMID:
33090306 DOI:
10.1007/s12020-020-02524-w]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) are benign tumors, however, some are agressive. We aimed to assess if human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is present in NFPA and if it can be used as a marker of aggressiveness and proliferation.
METHODS
Consecutive patients operated for NFPA whose fresh frozen tumors were available were included. We analyzed tumor's aggressiveness (based on radiological progression) and proliferation (based on Ki-67), as well as hTERT mRNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
RESULTS
We included 109 samples from 86 patients followed for a median period of 60 months (5-120 months). Aggressive tumors were present in 66% cases and proliferative tumors in 47.7%. Seven (6.4%) samples expressed hTERT: 3 (42.8%) had aggressive and proliferative tumors, 2 (28.6%) only exhibited aggressiveness and the remaining 2 (28.6%) only proliferation. From the aggressive and proliferative tumors, 14% and 16%, respectively, expressed hTERT. From the non-aggressive and non-proliferative tumors, 9% and 6%, respectively, expressed hTERT.
CONCLUSION
hTERT expression is present in a minority of NFPA and does not seem to be related to aggressiveness or proliferation in NFPA.
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