Expression of NF‐κB in prostate cancer lymph node metastases

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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that transactivates genes involved in the regulation of cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Our aim was to assess NF-κB expression in lymph node (LN) metastases of prostate cancer. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the p65 anti-NF-κB antibody. Seventy-seven paraffin-embedded LN specimens obtained from 54 prostate cancer patients were analyzed. Of the 54 patients, 32 had positive LN metastases, while 22 showed no evidence of metastasis and were considered as controls. The overall percentage of NF-κB-nuclear localization was assessed, as well as the intensity of staining. RESULTS Nuclear localization of NF-κB was significantly greater in the metastatic LN group compared to controls. In patients with positive-LN metastases, 84.4% showed >10% nuclear staining in tumor cells. Moreover, 64.4% of the malignant LN specimens had >10% nuclear staining in lymphocytes compared to 0% in controls. Intensity of cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was higher in the metastatic LN group than in controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Nuclear localization/activation of NF-κB is up-regulated in prostate cancer LN metastasis. Such up-regulation of NF-κB activity is observed in the tumor cells as well as in the surrounding lymphocytes.
Funding Information
  • Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada