Immunohistochemical Expression of Metallothionein as A Biomarker in Salivary Gland Neoplasms

Abstract

Background: Metallothionein is a cysteine-rich protein present in myoepithelial cells of several benign and malignant neoplasms and as a potential myoepithelial cell marker in breast cancer. The function of metallothionein is associated with DNA protection, oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis.

Aims: The present work was done to assess metallothionein (MT) expression with immunohistochemical localization in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and to compare metallothionein (MT) expression among the different histological patterns of salivary gland tumors.

Materials/Methods: Forty diagnosed cases of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors were selected, and immunohistochemistry was performed for metallothionein detection.

Results: All cases showed positive metallothionein expression with different intensity. The expression of metallothionein protein is higher in malignant salivary gland tumors than in the benign ones.

Conclusion: Nuclear metallothionein may play a critical role in tumor progression. It can be used as a prognostic marker in salivary gland adenocarcinomas.