Quantitative study of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix of surgical specimens of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare tumor affecting the mesothelial regions, mainly the pleura (73-85%) and peritoneum (7-18%). This tumor is commonly associated with occupational or environmental exposure to asbestos, and predominantly affects males. Unfortunately, MM is highly lethal, with poor prognosis, and still presents few therapeutic options. In this context, the extracellular matrix (ECM) becomes very relevant, since changes in its structure can favor the process of tumorigenesis, development and proliferation of tumor cells. Proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are the main macromolecules that compose the ECM, and may influence cell behavior and matrix properties through direct and indirect interactions with various cytokines, growth factors, cell surface receptors, adhesion molecules, enzymes and glycoproteins present in the ECM. Currently, we know that PGs/GAGs play important roles in angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of several types of cancer. Suggesting that these molecules critically affect early aspects of carcinogenesis and progression, and may thus affect immune response and therapeutic resistance to various forms of treatment. Thus, the present project aims to evaluate the expression of GAGs (heparan and chondroitin sulfate) and PGs (perlecan, versican and biglican) in surgical specimens of malignant surgical specimens of malignant mesothelioma aiming to understand their expression behavior and their possible correlation with the clinical outcome of these patients.