P53 over-expression and its correlation with PCNA index in nasal polyps
Lavezzi, A.; Mantovani, M.; Cazzullo, A.; Turconi, P.; Matturri, L.
Rhinology 37(4): 160-163
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-0729 PMID: 10670029 Document Number: 509400
Our knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of nasal polyps (Nps) is still limited. In this study, in order to define the biological features of these neoformations, we investigated with immunohistochemistry the p53 over-expression and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in 32 cases of Nps and in normal mucosa of 11 control cases. The evaluation of PCNA showed a wide range of indices (0.5-18.2%) with a mean value (6.8%) significantly higher than in normal mucosa (2.9%). Over-expression of the p53 oncoprotein, observed in 50% of Nps, was statistically related to a high PCNA-index (> 6.8%). Our results suggest that Nps can behave, in a high percentage of cases, like tumours.