Significance of TNF-α and the Adhesion Molecules: L-Selectin and VCAM-1 in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract

Circulating levels of TNF-α and the adhesion molecules L-Selectin and VCAM-1 as well as their expression in the primary tumors of patients with benign thyroid diseases and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have been determined in this study. The serum levels of TNF-α, L-Selectin, and VCAM-1 were significantly higher in patients with both benign thyroid diseases and PTC as compared to the healthy individuals. However, the levels of only TNF-α and L-Selectin, and not VCAM-1, were significantly higher in patients with PTC in comparison to those observed in patients with benign thyroid diseases. Further the expression of TNF-α and L-Selectin was also significantly higher in the primary tumors of PTC patients, relative to the benign thyroid diseases. The expression of L-Selectin and VCAM-1 significantly correlated with aggressive tumor behavior. In PTC patients, the circulating TNF-α levels significantly positively correlated with the levels of L-Selectin, while TNF-α immunoreactivity was significantly associated with VCAM-1 expression. Serum TNF-α was found to be a significant prognosticator for OS in PTC patients. Overall the results signify that the interaction between TNF-α and the adhesion molecules may have a role in thyroid carcinogenesis and understanding this complexity may offer potential therapeutic targets for better management of thyroid cancer.

Figure 1

ROC curve for TNF-α, L-Selectin, and VCAM-1 in healthy individuals versus patients with benign thyroid diseases.

Figure 2

ROC curve for TNF-α, L-Selectin, and VCAM-1 in healthy individuals versus PTC patients.

Figure 3

ROC curve for TNF-α, L-Selectin, and VCAM-1 in patients with benign thyroid diseases versus PTC.

Figure 4

Representative staining patterns of the protein expressions of TNF-α, L-Selectin, and VCAM-1 in primary tumours of patients with benign thyroid diseases and PTC.

Figure 5

Expression of TNF-α and L-Selectin in patients with benign thyroid disease and PTC.

Figure 6

Significantly reduced OS observed in PTC patients with high levels of serum TNF-α as compared to its counterpart.

Figure 7

Reduced DFS observed in PTC patients with high VCAM-1 expression as compared to those having low VCAM-1 expression.

Figure 8

Significantly reduced DFS observed in female PTC patients with high VCAM-1 expression as compared to those with low VCAM-1 expression.

Figure 9

Significantly reduced DFS observed in PTC patients treated with surgery followed by RIA therapy and/or RT having high VCAM-1 expression as compared to those with low VCAM-1 expression.