Is there any potential link among caspase-8, p-p38 MAPK and bcl-2 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas? A comparative immunohistochemical analysis with clinical connotations
2009

Link Between Caspase-8, p-p38 MAPK, and Bcl-2 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas

Sample size: 27 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Samaras Vassilis, Tsopanomichalou Maria, Stamatelli Angeliki, Arnaoutoglou Christos, Samaras Efstathios, Arnaoutoglou Marianthi, Poulias Hercules, Barbatis Calypso

Primary Institution: Department of Pathology, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece

Hypothesis

Is there any potential link among caspase-8, p-p38 MAPK and bcl-2 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas?

Conclusion

Caspase-8's pro-apoptotic function is associated with better clinical outcomes in low-grade clear cell renal cell carcinomas.

Supporting Evidence

  • Increased expression of cytoplasmic caspase-8 was associated with low Fuhrman's grade of carcinomas.
  • Increased p-p38 expression was significantly related to high Fuhrman's grade.
  • High bcl-2 expression correlated with low pathological stage of ccRCCs.
  • Higher cytoplasmic caspase-8 expression implied a greater probability of survival.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain proteins relate to kidney cancer and found that one protein, caspase-8, is linked to better survival in patients with less aggressive tumors.

Methodology

Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 27 patients.

Limitations

The study's small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

15 men and 12 women, mean age 58.15 years (range: 42–77)

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.019, p = 0.041, p = 0.006, p = 0.026, p = 0.037

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-1596-4-7

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication