Correlation of metallothionein expression with apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
2000
Metallothionein and Apoptosis in Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Sample size: 17
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jayasurya A, Bay B H, Yap W M, Tan N G
Primary Institution: National University of Singapore
Hypothesis
The study investigates the correlation between metallothionein expression and apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Conclusion
The study found that overexpression of metallothionein in nasopharyngeal cancer may protect tumor cells from apoptosis, contributing to tumor growth.
Supporting Evidence
- All tumor sections showed metallothionein immunopositivity.
- A direct correlation between the percentage of MT-positive cells and staining intensity was noted.
- An inverse relationship was observed between the level of MT expression and the apoptotic index.
Takeaway
The study shows that a protein called metallothionein helps cancer cells survive by preventing them from dying, which might make the cancer grow bigger.
Methodology
Immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL method were used to analyze metallothionein expression and apoptosis in nasopharyngeal tissues.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0059
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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