Trefoil factor 3 as a serum marker in endometrial cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Bignotti E, Ravaggi A, Tassi R A, Calza S, Rossi E, Falchetti M, Romani C, Bandiera E, Odicino F E, Pecorelli S, Santin A D
Primary Institution: University of Brescia
Hypothesis
Can trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) serve as a novel serum marker for high-grade endometrial carcinomas?
Conclusion
TFF3 is highly expressed in high-grade endometrial carcinomas and may be a useful serum marker for early detection and monitoring.
Supporting Evidence
- TFF3 was the top differentially expressed gene among 363 upregulated genes in G3-EEC compared to normal endometrium.
- TFF3 serum levels were significantly higher in G3-EEC patients compared to healthy controls and patients with endometrial hyperplasia.
- Immunohistochemistry showed TFF3 protein was significantly more expressed in G3-EEC compared to normal endometrium.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called TFF3 is much higher in the blood of women with a certain type of cancer, which could help doctors find and track the disease better.
Methodology
Gene expression profiling was performed using microarrays, followed by validation with qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and serum TFF3 levels were measured using ELISA.
Limitations
Further investigations on a wider set of samples are warranted to validate TFF3 as a serum marker.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 25 with G3 endometrial cancer, 42 healthy controls, and 13 with endometrial hyperplasia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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