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Galectin-3 expression by thyroid neoplasms in a center in southwest Nigeria

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Original Article

Author Details : Ademola Idowu Soremekun*, Olaejirinde Olaniyi Olaofe, Akinwumi Oluwole Komolafe

Volume : 3, Issue : 1, Year : 2024

Article Page : 30-35

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Abstract

Background: Galectin-3 (GAL-3), which is known to be expressed in certain normal tissues and is implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, serves as a valuable marker for distinguishing malignant thyroid lesions from benign thyroid lesions. This study aimed to assess the clinical and histopathological features of thyroid neoplasms at OAUTHC Ile Ife utilizing GAL-3 immunohistochemistry and to compare these findings with those of studies conducted in other regions of the world.

Materials and Methods: Histology slides from 56 patients with thyroid neoplasms spanning a 20-year period were subjected to immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against GAL-3. Evaluation was based on the 2022 World Health Organization Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms, categorizing marker expression as follows: 1+ (10–25% stained cells), 2+ (26–50% stained cells), 3+ (51–75% stained cells), and 4+ (>75% stained cells). Negative staining indicated no staining, while localized staining (focal) represented <50>50% of cells stained (3+ or 4+).

Results: A total of 56 patients with neoplastic thyroid disease were studied, including 15 males and 41 females. Among the 16 benign neoplastic lesions, four (25.0%) exhibited focal GAL-3 expression, while 12 (75.0%) showed no expression. Among the forty malignant neoplastic lesions, five (12.5%) tested negative for the GAL-3 immunomarker, while 35 (87.5%) demonstrated positive expression to varying degrees. Among the positive malignant lesions, two (5.0%) displayed focal GAL-3 expression, while 33 (82.5%) exhibited diffuse staining of tumor cells. The diffuse and strong expression of GAL-3 was significantly greater in malignant thyroid neoplasms than in benign neoplasms (p<0>

Conclusion: Our findings align with the previous research indicating that diffuse and strong immunohistochemical expression of GAL-3 is indicative of thyroid gland malignancy. GAL-3 serves as a valuable tool in diagnosing thyroid neoplasms, particularly in cases where histomorphologic characteristics are inconclusive or unclear.

Keywords: Antibody, Galectin-3, Immunohistochemistry, Neoplasm, Thyroid

How to cite : Soremekun A I, Olaofe O O, Komolafe A O, Galectin-3 expression by thyroid neoplasms in a center in southwest Nigeria. Yemen J Med 2024;3(1):30-35

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