Background: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common gynecological malignancy, yet the mechanisms that lead to tumor development and progression are still not fully known.
Objectives: We aimed to evaluate immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of MMP14, β1 integrin and YAP1 in EC type I and its relation to clinic-pathological parameters.
Subjects and Methods: IHC expression of MMP14, β1-integrin & YAP1 in 52 cases of EC type I (endometrioid type) were studied. The association of these markers with each other as well as with clinic-pathological parameters were evaluated. Results: Positive membranous and cytoplasmic IHC expression of MMP14 was detected in 36 (69.2%) of studied EC cases. Comparison of MMP14 IHC expression with the clinic-pathological data revealed higher expression of MMP 14 in high grades EC (II & III) and higher stages (II& III), compared to lower grades and stages but did not reach significant difference (P=0.077, P=0.925 respectively). No significant statistical difference with other variables (P>0.05 for all) were detected. Cytoplasmic localization of β1 integrin was detected in 33 (63.5%) of studied EC cases. Significant statistical difference with grade, depth of invasion (p < 0.001 for both), LVI (P=0.001) and LNs metastasis (P=008) were detected. No significant statistical difference with other variables (P>0.05 for all). Nuclear IHC expression of YAP1 was detected in 34(65.4%) of studied EC cases. There was significant statistical difference with grade & depth of invasion (p=0.001 for both), mean tumor size (P=0.033), LVI (p < 0.001), LN metastasis (P<0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.007).
Conclusion: MMP14, β1-integrin and YAP1 were upregulated in EC and associated with malignant potential. This pattern of expression may represent promising markers for tumor development and progression and may be used as therapeutic targets.