Expression of the estrogen receptor α, progesterone receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues

Pregnancy influences expression of interferon-stimulated genes, progesterone receptor and progesterone-induced blocking factor in ovine thyroid

OBJECTIVE

Embryonic interferon-tau (IFNT) and progesterone affect expression of interferonstimulated genes (ISGs), progesterone receptor (PGR) and progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) in the ovine thyroid.

METHODS

Thyroids of ewes were sampled at day 16 of nonpregnancy, days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect expression of ISGs, PGR, and PIBF.

RESULTS

Free ISG15 protein was undetected, but ISG15 conjugated proteins upregulated at day 16 of pregnancy, and expression levels of ISG15 conjugated proteins, PGR isoform (70 kDa), PIBF, interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 and myxovirusresistance protein 1 peaked, but expression level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 was the lowest at day 16 of pregnancy. In addition, the expression levels of PGR isoform (70 kDa) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) decreased, but levels of PGR isoform (43 kDa), 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, IP-10 and MX1 increased at day 25 of pregnancy comparing with day 16 of the estrous cycle.

CONCLUSION

Early pregnancy affects expression of ISGs, PGR, and PIBF in maternal thyroid through IFNT and progesterone, which may regulate thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid hormone secretion in ewes.

Clinicopathological significance of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and pathological indicators in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant clinical trials. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) showed the effect magnitude of the expression of EGFR, age, gender, tumor size, lymph node metastasis (LNM), extrathyroid extension, and tumor, lymph node, metastasis) stage. Stata 12.0 was used for statistical analysis of data.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 845 cases of PTC were included through the retrieval of 8 studies performed abroad. EGFR significantly correlated with extrathyroid extension (OR=3.25; 95% CI: 1.25-8.43; Z=2.42; P=0.015), LNM (OR=8.40; 95% CI: 5.44-12.97; Z=9.61; P=0.000), TNM stage (OR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.51-3.51; Z=3.87; P=0.000), and tumor size (OR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.06-2.68; Z=2.19; P=0.03). EGFR had no correlation with age (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 0.83-1.53; Z=0.77; P=0.44), gender (OR=0.93; 95% CI: 0.66-1.33; Z=0.38; P=0.70). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the studies by Cui Tang and Alfred King Yin Lam in LNM impacted the pooled OR. After removing these two studies, relatively stable results between the expression of EGFR and LNM were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The results in the expression of EGFR is frequent and cancer-specific event in PTC. Besides, the expression of EGFR was involved in the progression and metastasis of PTC.

Impact of benzo[a]pyrene, PCB153 and sex hormones on human ESC-Derived thyroid follicles using single cell transcriptomics

INTRODUCTION

Endocrine disruptors are compounds of manmade origin able to interfere with the endocrine system and constitute an important environmental concern. Indeed, detrimental effects on thyroid physiology and functioning have been described. Differences exist in the susceptibility of human sexes to the incidence of thyroid disorders, like autoimmune diseases or cancer.

METHODS

To study how different hormonal environments impact the thyroid response to endocrine disruptors, we exposed human embryonic stem cell-derived thyroid organoids to physiological concentrations of sex hormones resembling the serum levels of human females post-ovulation or males of reproductive age for three days. Afterwards, we added 10 µM benzo[a]pyrene or PCB153 for 24 h and analyzed the transcriptome changes via single-cell RNA sequencing with differential gene expression and gene ontology analysis.

RESULTS

The sex hormones receptors genes AR, ESR1, ESR2 and PGR were expressed at low levels. Among the thyroid markers, only TG resulted downregulated by benzo[a]pyrene or benzo[a]pyrene with the "male" hormones mix. Both hormone mixtures and benzo[a]pyrene alone upregulated ribosomal genes and genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, while their combination decreased the expression compared to benzo[a]pyrene alone. The "male" mix and benzo[a]pyrene, alone or in combination, upregulated genes involved in lipid transport and metabolism (APOA1, APOC3, APOA4, FABP1, FABP2, FABP6). The combination of "male" hormones and benzo[a]pyrene induced also genes involved in inflammation and NFkB targets. Benzo[a]pyrene upregulated CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and NQO1 irrespective of the hormonal context. The induction was stronger in the "female" mix. Benzo[a]pyrene alone upregulated genes involved in cell cycle regulation, response to reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. PCB153 had a modest effect in presence of "male" hormones, while we did not observe any changes with the "female" mix.

CONCLUSION

This work shows how single cell transcriptomics can be applied to selectively study the in vitro effects of endocrine disrupters and their interaction with different hormonal contexts.

Role of estrogen receptors in thyroid toxicity induced by mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate via endoplasmic reticulum stress: An in vitro mechanistic investigation

Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) can influence the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and induce thyroid injury. The expression of ERs can be related to thyroid disease and abnormal expression of ERs has been associated with activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study aimed to clarify the role of ERs in MEHP-induced thyroid damage via endoplasmic reticulum stress. We exposed Nthy-ori 3-1 cells to different doses of MEHP. We found that after the exposure, the cell viability and the expression levels of thyroid hormone metabolism-related proteins decreased, while the apoptosis level and the expression levels of ERs (ERα and GPR30) increased. Three endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signaling pathways were activated by MEHP. After ERα and GPR30 were knocked down, these three pathways were inhibited and the thyroid toxicity was alleviated. Taken together, our results indicate that MEHP can induce thyroid toxicity by upregulating the expression of ERs, further activating endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Mechanism Study on Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Nodular Goiter

Nodular goiter has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Clinically, there has been a burgeoning interest in nodular goiter due to the risk of progression to thyroid cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Chinese medicine (CM) in nodular goiter. Articles were systematically retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. New evidence showed that CM exhibited multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics in the treatment of nodular goiter, involving hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, oxidative stress, blood rheology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, especially inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell apoptosis, involving multiple signal pathways and a variety of cytokines. This review provides a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of CM against nodular goiter. Nonetheless, future studies are warranted to identify more regulatory genes and pathways to provide new approaches for the treatment of nodular goiter.

Puberty and sex in pediatric thyroid cancer: could expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors affect prognosis?

OBJECTIVE

A sharp increase in pediatric thyroid cancer incidence is observed during adolescence, driven mainly by girls. Differences in disease presentation across sexual maturity stages raise the question of whether sex steroids have a role in the heterogeneity. The aims of this study were to analyze the influence of puberty and sex on clinical presentation and prognosis and to evaluate the correlation between the expression of sex hormone receptors.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Clinical records and immunohistochemical of specimens from 79 patients were analyzed. Puberty was analyzed by two criteria: end of puberty and beginning, in which the age of 10 was the cutoff.

RESULTS

Postpubertal were more frequently classified as having low-risk disease and a lower frequency of persistent disease, especially when the completion of puberty was used as the criteria. Male sex was associated with a higher risk of persistent disease at the end of the observation period. Estrogen receptor α positivity was low in the entire sample, while progesterone receptor positivity was positive in 30% of the cases. Female hormone receptor expression was not associated with sex, American Thyroid Association risk score, persistent structural disease, or pubertal status.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the completion of puberty correlated best with the clinical behaviour of pediatric thyroid cancer. It was also shown that postpubertal patients have a less aggressive initial presentation and better outcomes. However, this observation could not be explained by the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the primary tumors.

Decreased Expression of Estrogen Receptors Is Associated with Tumorigenesis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), which is derived from thyroid follicular cells, is the most commonly differentiated thyroid cancer with sex disparity. However, the role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the pathogenesis of PTC remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the association of ER mRNA expression levels with clinicopathologic features in PTC. To that aim, the mRNA levels of ESR1 (ERα66), ESR1 (ERα36), ESR2, and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) in snap-frozen tissue samples from PTCs and adjacent normal thyroid tissues were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the correlation between ER mRNA expression levels and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. The expression of ERα66, ERα36, ERβ, and GPER1 was lower in PTC specimens than in adjacent normal thyroid tissues. Moreover, low GPER1 expression was associated with extrathyroidal extension. There was no obvious difference in expression of ERs between PTC specimens from male and female patients. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of ERs in PTC tumorigenesis.

Can We Predict Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Behavior? Role of Genetic and Molecular Markers

Thyroid cancer is ranked in ninth place among all the newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2020. Differentiated thyroid cancer behavior can vary from indolent to extremely aggressive. Currently, predictions of cancer prognosis are mainly based on clinicopathological features, which are direct consequences of cell and tissue microenvironment alterations. These alterations include genetic changes, cell cycle disorders, estrogen receptor expression abnormalities, enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix degradation, increased hypoxia, and consecutive neovascularization. All these processes are represented by specific genetic and molecular markers, which can further predict thyroid cancer development, progression, and prognosis. In conclusion, evaluation of cancer genetic and molecular patterns, in addition to clinicopathological features, can contribute to the identification of patients with a potentially worse prognosis. It is essential since it plays a crucial role in decision-making regarding initial surgery, postoperative treatment, and follow-up. To date, there is a large diversity in methodologies used in different studies, frequently leading to contradictory results. To evaluate the true significance of predictive markers, more comparable studies should be conducted.

Epidemiology of Thyroid Carcinomas in North Macedonia (1999-2015)

Objective:

We have set as objective to analyze epidemiological data of diagnosed thyroid carcinoma (TC) cases, incidence and prevalence rate by gender, age, histopathological type, and statistical regions in R. of N. Macedonia during the period 1999 to 2015.

Material and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of medical data collected from the 2 state thyroid departments. Inclusion criteria included newly diagnosed cases of TC in appropriate years for the period 1999 to 2015. We have evaluated: yearly incidence rate, incidence and prevalence by gender, age, the distribution in 8 statistical state regions and histopathological types and subtypes representation.

Results:

A total number of 422 TC patients were detected, average incidence rate of 1.22/10⁵, with most prevalent papillary TCs79.5%, followed by follicular 10.9%, medullar 4.1%, anaplastic 3.1%, and other rare types with 2.3%. The highest incidence rate was detected in Skopje region, while the lowest in Southeast and the Polog region. The total prevalence rate for the female gender was 32.61/10⁴ and for male 9.27/10⁴ (f/m ratio = 3.52:1), with lowest female/male difference found in the elderly > 65 years (f/m = 2.21/1).

Conclusion:

Compared with regional epidemiological data we can conclude that Republic of N. Macedonia has very low incidence and prevalence rate, while female/male ratio was similar to that described in the literature. Our low incidence and prevalence rate may be due to 2 possible reasons, 1 would be insufficient diagnosis of only small portion of the real cases in the population, or the second reason may be a real low incidence resulting of specific etiopathogenetic circumstances.

Estrogen Receptor Beta: The Promising Biomarker and Potential Target in Metastases

The discovery of the Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ) in 1996 opened new perspectives in the diagnostics and therapy of different types of cancer. Here, we present a review of the present research knowledge about its role in endocrine-related cancers: breast, prostate, and thyroid, and colorectal cancers. We also discuss the reasons for the controversy of its role in carcinogenesis and why it is still not in use as a biomarker in clinical practice. Given that the diagnostics and therapy would benefit from the introduction of new biomarkers, we suggest ways to overcome the contradictions in elucidating the role of ERβ.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer-Promoting Activities of Combined Oral Contraceptive Components

Background:

Thyroid cancer is more common in women at reproductive age, suggesting the relationship between its high-incidence and therapeutic use of hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives (OCPs). The aim of this study was to identify the effect of low-dose combined OCP (LD-COC) on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) BCPAP cell line.

Materials and Methods:

BCPAP cells were cultured and treated with the combination of 90nM levonorgestrel (LNG) and 20nM ethinylestradiol (EE) for 48 hours. Afterward, using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the proliferation of the cells was measured. Apoptosis was determined by using a Caspase-3 ELISA kit. Migratory properties of combined LNG and EE were studied through wound scratch assay. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic factor BAX, anti-apoptotic factor Bcl2, and proliferation marker Ki67 were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting.

Results:

Upon treatment with the combination of LNG and EE, proliferation and migration of BCPAP cells were significantly enhanced. However, LNG and EE remarkably inhibited apoptosis of these cells. Furthermore, treating PTC cells with combined LNG and EE caused a marked increase in the expression of Bcl2 and Ki67 and a considerable decrease in BAX levels (P˂0.05).

Conclusion:

Our data linked the use of COCs and the progression and aggressiveness of PTC, suggesting the role of these hormonal compounds as promoting factors for PTC tumors. Despite these observations, further investigations will be required to fully establish the pathogenic impact of these medications on PTC.

Distribution and Prognostic Significance of Estrogen Receptor α (ERα), Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER-2) in Thyroid Carcinoma

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) expression in various subtypes of thyroid carcinoma (TC) of follicular origin and the secondary aim was to correlate the expression with various clinicopathologic prognostic factors.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed on archival paraffin-embedded tissue sections (1991–2016). ERα, ERβ, and HER-2 expressions were correlated with clinicopathologic prognostic factors, disease recurrence, and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 264 TC patients were included in the study. Incidences of ERα, ERβ, and HER-2 were 8.1 vs 16.3 vs 13.9% (p=0.15), 26.6 vs 11.5 vs 36.1% (p=0.002), and 12.9 vs 2.9 vs 0% (p=0.003) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), respectively. Overall ERα had significant correlation with distant metastases (0.038) and in case of PDTC with multicentricity (p=0.037). ERβ had significant correlation with lymph node metastases (p=0.023) in FTC. HER-2 correlated with tumor size (p=0.027) only on univariate analysis. OS did not correlate with expression of any receptor.

Conclusion

ERα, ERβ, and HER-2 have differential expression and prognostic implications in different TC subtypes.

A Novel Combination of Metachronous Primary Malignancies of the Thyroid and Breast in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition of variable presentations. It has been shown to increase the risk of multiple cancers. Therefore, NF1 has been identified as a tumor-provoking condition.

We present a case of a 39-year-old woman with NF1 who was diagnosed initially with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and subsequently presented with a painful breast lump. Core biopsy revealed an invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) for which selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) therapy was initiated. A lumpectomy was performed soon after, which confirmed IDC. Following surgery, the patient received a combination of anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC), which was later followed by a taxol-based chemotherapy regimen.

This study aims to throw light on the rare phenomenon of metachronous malignancy: the occurrence of successive primary cancers in the same patient. We believe that raising awareness regarding the different neoplasms associated with NF1 is important to promote appropriate preemptive screening for early detection of a second primary neoplasm, which can help lower the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition through expedited intervention.

The Impact of Adiposity and Puberty on Thyroid Function in Children and Adolescents

Background: In the context of a worldwide increase in childhood obesity, euthyroid hyperthyrotropinemia has been consistently reported and raises questions about its etiology, its potential metabolic complications, and its management. In this study we analyze the thyroid function with respect to BMI, pubertal status, and sex in children with obesity and discuss our results on an integrative context with the existent data from the literature. Methods: In this case-control study, we compared 389 children and adolescents with obesity to 158 controls. Age, sex, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), BMI standard deviation score, and pubertal status were recorded. One factor-analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used with p < 0.05. Results: Mean serum TSH of children with obesity was higher (2.95 ± 1.2 mU/L) compared to normal weight group (2.42 ± 1.43 mU/L) (p < 0.0001). Only in females of both groups, serum TSH, T4, and T3 concentrations were all lower during puberty compared to prepuberty. In prepubertal girls and boys with obesity, a statistically significant correlation between TSH and BMI was found (r = 0.32, p = 0.012 and r = 0.47, p < 0.001, respectively), which is not sustained during puberty. Conclusions: Our results confirm the TSH elevation in children with obesity and indicates that puberty and adiposity have a differential sex-dependent impact on thyroid axis function.

Role of estrogen and its receptors mediated-autophagy in cell fate and human diseases

Studies have shown that morbidity of several diseases varies between males and females. This difference likely arises due to sex-related hormones. Estrogen, a primary female sex steroid hormone, plays a critical role in mediating many of the physiological functions like growth, differentiation, metabolism, and cell death. Recently, it has been demonstrated that estrogen mediates autophagy through its receptors (ERs) namely ERα, ERβ, and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). However, the specific role of estrogen and its receptors mediated-autophagy in cell fate and human diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular disease and nervous system disease remains unclear. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the complex role of estrogen and its receptors-mediated autophagy in different cell lines and human diseases. In addition, we further discuss the key signaling molecules governing the role of ERs in autophagy. This review will serve as the basis for a proposed model of autophagy constituting a new frontier in estrogen-related human diseases. Here, we discuss the dual role of ERα in classical and non-classical autophagy through B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2)-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3). Next, we review the role of ERβ in pro-survival pathways through the promotion of autophagy under stress conditions. We further discuss activation of GPER via estrogen often mediates autophagy or mitophagy suppression, respectively. In summary, we believe that understanding the relationship between estrogen and its receptors mediated-autophagy on cell fate and human diseases will provide insightful knowledge for future therapeutic implications.

Eps15 homology domain 1 promotes the evolution of papillary thyroid cancer by regulating endocytotic recycling of epidermal growth factor receptor

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid malignancy, and it is often observed to overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Previous research has indicated that EH domain-containing 1 (EHD1) is associated with EGFR-mediated endocytotic recycling in multiple tumor types. The objective of the present study was to determine the protein expression levels and clinical significance of EHD1, EGFR, caveolin-1 (CAV-1) and RAB11 family interacting protein 3 (RAB11FIP3) in PTC. PTC specimens were analyzed for EHD1, EGFR, CAV-1 and RAB11FIP3 expression via immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The associations between protein expression and clinicopathological features were assessed. EHD1, EGFR, CAV-1 and RAB11FIP3 expression levels were increased in human PTC. Additionally, the expression level of EHD1 protein was significantly associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and EGFR expression (P<0.05). CAV-1 was associated with tumor size and EGFR expression (P<0.05). EGFR was only associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.027) and RAB11FIP3 was not associated with any clinicopathological characteristics. The correlations between EHD1 and EGFR (r=0.564, P<0.05), CAV-1 (r=0.865, P<0.01) and RAB11FIP3 (r=0.504, P<0.05) were statistically significant. Overall, EHD1, CAV-1 and RAB11FIP3, which are key proteins in endocytotic recycling, promote PTC tumorigenesis through the regulation of the transport of EGFR.

Production of amphiregulin and recovery from influenza is greater in males than females

Background

Amphiregulin (AREG) is an epidermal growth factor that is a significant mediator of tissue repair at mucosal sites, including in the lungs during influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Previous research illustrates that males of reproductive ages experience less severe disease and recover faster than females following infection with IAV.

Methods

Whether males and females differentially produce and utilize AREG for pulmonary repair after IAV infection was investigated using murine models on a C57BL/6 background and primary mouse and human epithelial cell culture systems.

Results

Following sublethal infection with 2009 H1N1 IAV, adult female mice experienced greater morbidity and pulmonary inflammation during the acute phase of infection as well as worse pulmonary function during the recovery phase of infection than males, despite having similar virus clearance kinetics. As compared with females, AREG expression was greater in the lungs of male mice as well as in primary respiratory epithelial cells derived from mouse and human male donors, in response to H1N1 IAVs. Internalization of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was also greater in respiratory epithelial cells derived from male than female mice. IAV infection of Areg knock-out (Areg^−/−) mice eliminated sex differences in IAV pathogenesis, with a more significant role for AREG in infection of male compared to female mice. Deletion of Areg had no effect on virus replication kinetics in either sex. Gonadectomy and treatment of either wild-type or Areg^−/− males with testosterone improved the outcome of IAV as compared with their placebo-treated conspecifics.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data show that elevated levels of testosterone and AREG, either independently or in combination, improve resilience (i.e., repair and recovery of damaged tissue) and contribute to better influenza outcomes in males compared with females.

Network-based meta-analysis in the identification of biomarkers for papillary thyroid cancer

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been increasing across the world with incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate gene alterations and biomarkers contributing to PTC development. A total of five eligible microarray datasets including 94 PTC and 81 normal thyroid samples were included to identify gene expression signatures. Using integrative meta-analysis of expression data (INMEX) program, we identified a total of 2699 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (1333 overexpressed and 1366 underexpressed genes) in PTC relative to normal thyroid samples. The top 100 upregualted and downregulated DEGs identified in the meta-analysis were further validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset for PTC with high consistency. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed pathways in cancer, proteoglycans in cancer, focal adhesion, axon guidance, and ECM-receptor interaction among the top 5 most enriched pathways. Network-based meta-analysis identified FN1 and TRAF6 to be the most highly ranked hub genes among the overexpressed and underexpressed genes, respectively, both of which are involved in pathways in cancer. The most enriched terms for Gene Ontology (GO) of biological processes, cellular component, and molecular function were signal transduction, cytoplasm, and protein binding, respectively. Our meta-analysis comprehensively investigated DEGs, hub genes, enriched pathways and GO terms for PTC, which might provide additional approaches to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of PTC, and identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets toward PTC.

Reduced expression of oestrogen receptor-β is associated with tumour invasion and metastasis in oestrogen receptor-α-negative human papillary thyroid carcinoma

Oestrogens play an important role in the development and progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) through oestrogen receptor (ER)-α and -β, which may exert different or even opposing actions in PTC. The roles of ERβ in ERα-negative PTC are still not clear. This study investigated the expression dynamics of ERβ1 (wild-type ERβ) and its clinical significance in female ERα-negative PTC patients. ERβ1 expression was detected in thyroid tissues of 136 female patients diagnosed with PTC. The relationships between ERβ1 expression and clinicopathological/biological factors were also analysed in female ERα-negative PTC patients. The total score for ERβ1 was significantly lower in female ERα-negative PTC patients with LNM or ETE when compared to those without LNM or ETE (Z = -2.923, P = 0.003 and Z = -3.441, P = 0.001). Accordingly, the total score for ERβ1 was significantly higher in ERα-negative PTC patients expressing E-cadherin compared to patients negative for E-cadherin expression (Z = -2.636, P = 0.008). The total score was lower in ERα-negative PTC patients positive for VEGF expression compared to those negative for VEGF expression (Z = -1.914, P = 0.056). This preliminary study indicates that reduced expression of ERβ1 in female ERα-negative PTC patients is associated with greater progression of the disease. This may provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of ERβ1 and could help design targeted approaches for treating or even preventing this disease.

Estrogen receptor subtype expression and regulation is altered in papillary thyroid cancer after menopause

BACKGROUND

Estrogen receptors can regulate growth in papillary thyroid cancer and may affect prognosis after menopause. This study examines changes of estrogen receptor subtype ratio expression in papillary thyroid cancer cell lines derived from pre- and postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Cells were harvested from papillary thyroid cancer and non-papillary thyroid cancer thyroid tissue (control) from pre- (n = 9) and postmenopausal women (n = 11). Protein expression of estrogen receptor α, estrogen receptor β, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and protein kinase B were analyzed. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity was determined as a measure of tumor invasiveness. Mitochondrial retrograde signaling was altered with ethidium bromide to determine its effect on estrogen receptor α protein expression.

RESULTS

Estrogen receptor α expression was increased in postmenopausal papillary thyroid cancer cells compared with controls but was unchanged in premenopausal papillary thyroid cancer. Estrogen receptor β expression did not change in either group. Increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity was observed only in postmenopausal papillary thyroid cancer. Premenopausal papillary thyroid cancer cells demonstrated increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase and unchanged protein kinase B activation. Conversely, postmenopausal papillary thyroid cancer cells had decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase and increased protein kinase B activation. Ethidium bromide treatment resulted in increased estrogen receptor α protein expression only in premenopausal papillary thyroid cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Increased estrogen receptor α expression may be involved in papillary thyroid cancer aggressiveness after menopause. This process may be regulated by differential activation of intracellular pathways and differing sensitivities to mitochondrial signaling regulation.

Low dose of Bisphenol A enhance the susceptibility of thyroid carcinoma stimulated by DHPN and iodine excess in F344 rats

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common endocrine neoplasm. The risk of TC as a second primary malignancy (SPM) of breast cancer is significantly increased. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely contacted xenoestrogen and increases susceptibility to breast cancer through binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). However, the effect of BPA on thyroid carcinogenesis has not been fully demonstrated. This present study aimed to characterize the effects of BPA on the development of TC using a Fischer 344 (F344) rat model. In this study, we established a TC model using female F344 rats pretreated with N-Bis (2-hydroxypropyl) nitrosamine (DHPN) at a single dose of 2800 mg/kg (the DA group) or without DHPN (the DN group), followed by stimulation with BPA at the level of 250 μg/kg (BPA250) or 1000 μg/kg (BPA1000) and a basic diet containing potassium iodine (KI, 1000 μg/L) for 64 weeks. We demonstrated that the incidence of TC in the BPA250 + KI of DA groups reached the highest at 50%, the incidence of thyroid hyperplasia lesions (including both tumors and focal hyperplasia lesions) in the BPA1000 + KI of DA groups reached 100% (P < 0.05). ERα protein and immunochemistry expression was upregulated in the BPA-exposed groups and the immunochemistry scores were positively correlated with PCNA. Thus, the present results indicate that BPA could enhance the susceptibility to TC stimulated by DHPN and iodine excess. ERα is probably involved in the proliferation effect of BPA. BPA or KI alone could not increase TC incidence.

Expression of G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor in melanoma and in pregnancy-associated melanoma

BACKGROUND

The hormone sensitivity of melanoma and the role of 'classical' oestrogen receptor (ER) α and β in tumour progression have been intensively studied with rather contradictory results. The presence of 'non-classical' G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) has not been investigated on human melanoma tissues.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the expression of GPER, ERα and ERβ in pregnancy-associated (PAM) and in non-pregnancy-associated (NPAM) melanomas in correlation with traditional prognostic markers and disease-free survival (DFS).

METHODS

Receptor protein levels were tested using immunohistochemistry in 81 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded melanoma tissues. PAMs (n = 38) were compared with age- and Breslow thickness-matched cases (n = 43) including non-pregnant women (NPAM-W) (n = 22) and men (NPAM-M) (n = 21). The association between receptor expression and DFS was analysed by uni- and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor was detected both in PAMs and NPAMs. In 39 of the 41 (95.1%) GPER-positive melanomas, GPER and ERβ were co-expressed. GPER/ERβ-positive melanomas were significantly more common in PAM compared to NPAM (P = 0.0001) with no significant difference between genders (P = 0.4383). In PAMs, the distribution of GPER and ERβ was similar (78.4% vs. 81.6%; P = 0.8504), while in NPAM, ERβ was the representative ER (60.5% vs. 27.9%; P = 0.0010) without gender difference (59.1% vs. 61.9%). GPER-/ERβ-positive melanomas were associated with lower Breslow thickness, lower mitotic rate and higher presence of peritumoral lymphocyte infiltration (PLI) compared to GPER-/ERβ-negative cases (P = 0.0156, P = 0.0036 and P = 0.0001) predicting a better DFS (HR = 0.785, 95% CI 0.582-1.058). Despite the significantly higher frequency of GPER and ERβ expression in PAM, no significant difference was found in DFS between PAM and NPAM. All but one case failed to show ERα expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of GPER and its simultaneous expression with ERβ can serve as a new prognostic indicator in a significant subpopulation of melanoma patients.

Immunohistochemical expression of ER-α and PR in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid cancer with multiple risk factors including exposure to ionising radiation. Oestrogens contribute to papillary carcinoma development by promoting cell proliferation and invasion of mutated epithelial follicular cells. The present study aimed to assess ER-α and PR expression in PTC and to correlate their expression with the clinicopathological parameters in this cancer. This study included 62 primary and six metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma cases. Nineteen and 38.7% of primary PTC cases showed positive nuclear expression for ER and PR, respectively. Metastatic cases showed 66.7% positive ER expression and all were negative for PR. Oestrogen receptor expression showed significant higher positivity in metastatic compared to primary PTC (p = 0.02) and it was significantly associated with primary PTC associated with thyroiditis (p = .002). Progesterone receptor expression was significantly associated with old age in primary PTC (p = .003) and it showed significant coparallel expression with ER (p = .000). Oestrogen and progesterone receptors expressed in papillary thyroid carcinoma opening the door for further studies to verify if those patients could benefit from hormonal therapy. Oestrogen receptor seems to have a role in metastatic process of PTC as malignant cells express it in metastatic more than primary site. The presence of lymphocytes in the stroma may promote ER expression in adjacent PTC, necessitating further studies on PTC cases associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis to verify this assumed relationship.

Inverse expression of caveolin-1 and EGFR in thyroid cancer patients

Cytological analysis of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the first step in evaluation of patients with nodular thyroid disease with the primary goal to exclude thyroid malignancy. Its improvement by combining cytology with molecular markers is still a matter of investigation. In this study, 2 molecular markers were used: caveolin-1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), along with the well-established genetic marker BRAF V600E mutation. We set out to determine the expression signatures of EGFR and caveolin-1 in patients with thyroid malignancy as well as to determine their possible association with disease severity. In FNA biopsy samples (n=186), immunocytochemical expression of caveolin-1 and BRAF V600E mutation coincided with malignancy. The patients were sorted according to 3 parameters: final histopathological diagnosis, caveolin-1 expression, and BRAF V600E mutation status before measurement of EGFR mRNA expression. EGFR upregulation was detected in the group of patients with malignant diagnosis, no caveolin-1 expression, and wild-type BRAF. Spearman rank correlation yielded a statistically significant negative correlation of EGFR and caveolin-1. Double immunofluorescence confirmed colocalization and inverse expression of EGFR and caveolin-1. Our data demonstrated that EGFR overexpression is associated with malignancy but not with tumor aggressiveness. Furthermore, high-caveolin-1/low-EGFR cases were associated with an advanced pT status and had a greater degree of neoplastic infiltration than low-caveolin-1/high-EGFR cases. Combining caveolin-1 and BRAF V600E with EGFR might help in recognizing more aggressive thyroid lesions in a pool of relatively indolent tumors in FNA biopsies and thus be useful for early risk stratification of thyroid cancer patients.