Analysis of Sonic Hedgehog related proteins in uterine leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma

Abstract

Leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma are uterine mesenchymal. These tumors have variable clinical behavior and may lead to death. Leiomyoma is a benign tumor commonly found in women of reproductive age. Leiomyosarcoma represents approximately 40% of the sarcomas (malignant mesenchymal tumors) of the uterus. Both leiomyosarcoma and leiomyomas are myometrial neoplasms that show similar cell differentiation (smooth muscle cell), but with different clinical progression. The factors that drive the clinical and biological behavior of these tumors remain unknown. However, it was demonstrated that activation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is related to the development of several tumors since this pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Anyway, the role of these molecules in uterine leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma has not been studied. The objective of this project is to evaluate the expression of proteins involved in the SHH signaling pathway, in samples of leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, and myometrium. For this, we selected 80 samples of leiomyoma, 80 samples of leiomyosarcoma, and 20 samples of normal myometrium. The samples will be subject to a review of histological diagnosis by pathologists. Samples of leiomyoma and myometrium will be obtained at the Department of Gynecology - FMUSP and leiomyosarcomas in the Department of Pathology, Hospital A.C. Camargo, both in Sao Paulo - Brazil. The paraffin samples will be used in building blocks of tissue microarray (TMA) for further immunohistochemistry reaction. All results will be statistically analyzed. (AU)