Background: The potential mechanism of malignant transformation from leiomyoma to leiomyosarcoma is still debated. The aim was the evaluation of expression patterns of mucin-1 (MUC1) (MUC1 VU-4-H5), galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in human myometrium and leiomyoma and in comparison to leiomyosarcoma.
Materials and methods: Myometrium, leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma tissues were obtained from 79 patients. Samples were analyzed regarding the expression of MUC1, Gal-1 and Gal-3 by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded material.
Results: The expression of MUC1 (VU4-H5) was up-regulated in leiomyoma (p = 0.065) and leiomyosarcoma (p = 0.039) as compared to the myometrium. In contrast, there were no significant differences in expression of Gal-3 in the tissues from the myometrium, myoma and leiomyosarcoma. Concerning Gal-1 expression, the differences were not significant comparing myometrium and leiomyosarcoma (p = 0.277). Myoma had elevated levels of Gal-1 compared to myometrium (p = 0.007) and leiomyosarcoma (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: MUC1 and Gal-1 might be useful for evaluating the potential of leiomyoma to transform into leiomyosarcoma and, therefore, help in risk-adapted consultation and adjusted treatment.