Studies on expression of p14ARF and MDM2 in human thyroid neoplasms

Aim. We sought to evaluate the expression and clinical significance of p14(ARF) and MDM2 proteins in thyroid neoplasm. Methods. Immunohistochemical streptavidin-peroxidase (S-P) method was used to detect the expression of p14(ARF) and MDM2 proteins in 78 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 34 cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and 45 cases of thyroid adenoma. Results. The expression of p14(ARF) and MDM2 protein differed significantly (P<0.01) among three group. The positivity rate of p14(ARF) protein in PTC was significantly lower than that in thyroid adenoma (P=0.002) and PTMC (P=0.008). While the positivity rate of MDM2 protein in PTC was significantly higher than that in thyroid adenoma (P=0.000) and PTMC (P=0.009). There was a significant correlation found between the expressions of p14(ARF) and MDM2 proteins in PTC (P=0.013) and PTMC (P=0.012). Also, a significant correlation was found between p14(ARF) protein expression and lymph node metastasis in PTC (P=0.011). Conclusion. It was concluded that p14(ARF) and MDM2 proteins might be involved in the induction and development of PTC and PTMC whereas p14(ARF) also had diagnostic value in determining the biological behavior of PTC.