Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) in women with malignant and benign ovarian tumours

Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2014 Nov;63(11):1129-40. doi: 10.1007/s00262-014-1579-y. Epub 2014 Jul 20.

Abstract

Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) is a serum pattern recognition molecule, able to activate complement in association with MASP proteases. Serum levels of MBL and MASP-2, activities of MBL-MASP complexes, single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MBL2 and MASP2 genes and/or their specific mRNA expression in ovarian sections were investigated in 128 patients suffering from primary ovarian cancer (OC) and compared with 197 controls (C), encompassing both patients with benign ovarian tumours (n = 123) and others with no ovarian pathology (n = 74). MBL deficiency-associated genotypes were more common among OC patients than among controls. The O/O group of genotypes was associated with ovarian cancer (OR 3.5, p = 0.02). In A/A homozygotes, MBL concentrations and activities were elevated in the OC group and correlated with C-reactive protein. Moreover, high MBL serum levels were associated with more advanced disease stage. No differences in distribution of the MASP2 +359 A>G (D120G) SNP or MASP-2 serum levels were found between cancer patients and their controls. However, the highest frequency of the A/G (MASP2) and LXA/O or O/O (MBL2) genotypes was found among OC patients with tumours of G1-2 grade (well/moderately differentiated). Furthermore, MBL deficiency-associated genotypes predicted prolonged survival. None of the parameters investigated correlated with CA125 antigen or patients' age. The local expression of MBL2 and MASP2 genes was higher in women with ovarian cancer compared with controls. It is concluded that the expression of MBL and MASP-2 is altered in ovarian cancer, possibly indicating involvement of the lectin pathway of complement activation in the disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • CA-125 Antigen / metabolism
  • Complement System Proteins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Genotype
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / metabolism*
  • Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • CA-125 Antigen
  • MBL2 protein, human
  • MUC16 protein, human
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Complement System Proteins
  • MASP2 protein, human
  • Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases