Introduction: Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are infrequent tumors representing 2.5-7 % of all head and neck tumors. It's very difficult to reach proper diagnosis and prognosis depending on histomorphologic criteria alone due to overlapping clinicopathologic features. IL-10 is a homodimeric protein that has various anti-inflammatory and immune functions. In cancer, IL-10 has both immunosuppressive properties and anti-angiogenic properties. Several studies proved the prognostic role of IL-10 in different human cancers. However, its role in SGTs still needs to be confirmed. Ki-67 is a nuclear protein that is encoded by the gene MKi-67. Its expression as a proliferative cell and a prognostic marker has been largely investigated in many types of human tumors including those of salivary gland origin, such as acinic cell and adenoid cystic carcinomas.
Objectives: evaluating possibility of IL-10 and Ki-67 as a potential prognostic markers in benign and malignant SGTs.
Material and Methods: IL-10 and Ki-67 expression was measured in 30 SGT cases (15 benign and 15 malignant) and 15 normal salivary gland tissue (NSGT). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was carried out by the Labeled Strept-Avidin Biotin complex method (LSAB).
Results: IL-10 and Ki-67 expression was hardly detected in normal salivary gland tissues (NSGT) while, expression was detected in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors with different intensities. The Lowest expression levels were detected in normal salivary gland tissues, while the highest were detected in malignant salivary gland tumors.
Conclusion: IL-10 and Ki67 could be used as potential prognostic markers due to the significant difference in their immunoexpression.