ObjectiveTo investigate the structure, ligand, and tissue distribution of galectin-3, the relationship of galectin3 with tumor and the expression of galectin-3 in several thyroid diseases. MethodsRelated articles were reviewed. ResultsGalectin-3 was expressed in normal and tumor cell that regulated cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, which participated invasion and metastasis of tumor. ConclusionGalectin-3 may be used to discriminate benign and malignant thyroid tumor.
ObjectiveTo explore the expressions of galectin-3 protein and CD105 protein in colorectal cancer and the relationship with clinicopathologic features. MethodsThe expressions of galectin-3 protein and CD105 protein 〔microvessel density (MVD)〕 were detected in 60 cases of colorectal cancer tissues, 30 cases of adenoma tissues, and 30 cases of normal mucosa tissues (at least 4 cm far from carcinoma) by MicrowaveEliVisionTM immunohistochemistry, and the relationship with clinicopathologic features was analyzed. ResultsThe expressions of galectin3 protein and MVD in normal mucosa tissues, adenoma tissues, and cancer tissues gradually increased (Plt;0.05). The expression of galectin-3 protein and MVD in colorectal cancer tissues were correlated to TNM stage, invasive depth, and lymph node metastasis (Plt;0.05， Plt;0.01), and the expression of glectin-3 protein was also correlated to differentiated degree (Plt;0.05). The expression of galectin-3 protein in colorectal cancer tissues was positively correlated to MVD (r=0.420， Plt;0.01). ConclusionsThe high expressions of galectin-3 protein and CD105 protein are correlated to the high invasion ability and lymph node metastasis, which may be potential sensitive index to predict the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer.
The present paper aims to investigate whether or not vasculogenic mimicry (VM) exists in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and to elucidate its relationship to microvessel density (MVD), galectin-3 (Gal-3) expressionb and clinicopathological factors of patients with LSCC. VM, score of MVD and expression of Gal-3 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry and histochemistry in 83 specimens of LSCC tissue and 20 specimens of normal laryngeal tissue. The positive rate of VM in normal laryngeal tissues was 0%, and was 33.7% in LSCC tissues. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). VM or MVD was significantly related to differentiation, pTNM stages and lymph node metastasis of LSCC (P<0.05), but not to age, gender and tumor site (P>0.05). And there was a positive correlation between every two of VM, score of MVD, and Gal-3 protein (P<0.05). The results suggest that expression of Gal-3 protein may be related to the initiation, angiogenesis and VM formation in LSCC; And VM, angiogenesis and Gal-3 protein may be involved in the development, invasion and metastasis of LSCC.