Comparative Immunohistochemical Study of Galectins 1, 3 and 9 in Ovarian Epithelial Neoplasms

Ovarian neoplasms are among the most common in the female genital tract and often have delayed diagnosis. Tumor progression involves signalling proteins called galectins. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of galectins “1”, “3” and “9” in the ovarian surface epithelial neoplasia. A retrospective study involving 62 ovarian epithelial tumors (benign and non-benign) was performed with immunohistochemical polymer technique and antibodies against galectin “1”, “3” and “9”. Expression in epithelium and stroma was analysed semi-quantitatively. Fisher’s exact test was performed for statistical analysis. Galectin-“1” and “3” were strongly expressed in non-benign tumors of the epithelium. Non-benign neoplasms showed increased stromal expression of galectin-1 and increased epithelial expression of galectin-“3”. The significant increase in expression of galectin-1 and -3 in the epithelium of non- benign ovarian neoplasms suggests the participation of these galectins in ovarian carcinogenesis. We observed increased stromal expression of galectin-“1” and epithelial expression of galectin-“3” in non-benign ovarian neoplasms. These findings contribute to knowledge about the role of these galectins in the growth and spread of ovarian cancer.