Bcl‑2 and Galectin‑3 Expression Is Associated With Recurrence of Ameloblastoma Publisher



Mahdavi N¹ ; Saffar H² ; Derakhshan S¹ ; Saffar H² ; Heidari N⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Dental Research Journal Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. Identifying cellular and molecular changes in this neoplasm may help predict the recurrence risk. Bcl‑2 and galectin‑3 are anti‑apoptotic proteins associated with the prognosis of many neoplasms. However, there are a few studies focusing on the association between these two markers and recurrence of ameloblastoma. This study aimed to investigate the association of Bcl‑2 plus galectin‑3 expression and recurrence of ameloblastoma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross‑sectional study was designed on 48 paraffin‑embedded blocks diagnosed as ameloblastoma from 1998 to 2019. We retrieved follow‑up data from patients’ records and used immunohistochemical staining for Bcl‑2 and galectin‑3 antibodies. Then, we analyzed their association with recurrence using Chi‑square and Mann–Whitney test as well as recurrence‑free survival using Kaplan–Meier curves and linear Cox regression. The level of statistical significance was P < 0.05. Results: Twenty‑six patients had experienced the recurrence. The mean follow‑up time was 93.53 months.There was a significant association between Bcl‑2 plus cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining and recurrence (both P < 0.001). Furthermore, in univariate analysis, high expression of Bcl‑2 was associated with less recurrence‑free survival (log‑rank: P = 0.020‑univariable Cox: P = 0.033), but in multiple Cox regression, there was no significant association (P = 0.471). High cytoplasmic galectin‑3 expression was also associated with less recurrence‑free survival (log‑rank: P = 0.007‑univariable Cox: P = 0.015‑multiple Cox: P = 0.044). Furthermore, we found a correlation between Bcl‑2 and cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining (P = 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that Bcl‑2 and cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining might predict the risk of ameloblastoma recurrence. However, only the cytoplasmic galectin‑3 staining might be an independent predictor of ameloblastoma recurrence, and we recommend further studies. © 2024 Dental Research Journal.