The role of cyclin expression in superficial and nodular type of basal cell carcinoma

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most frequent human skin cancers and its occurrence is important for current health service. Based on histological and clinical pictures many BCC forms are distinguished, among which nodular (nBCC) and superficial (sBCC) forms are mainly noted. Normal expression of regulatory cell cycle proteins, mainly cyclins, are required for appropriate cell proliferation. It was reported that dysregulation in their expression is involved in human skin carcinomas including BCC development. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the expression in cyclin D1, A, B1 in patients with sBCC and nBCC. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 22 Caucasians with histologically confirmed superficial (n=11, group 1) or nodular (n=11, group 2) BCC form. In all BCC specimens the mean number of cyclin D1(+), A(+) and B1(+) cells was counted (immunohistochemistry). Additionally, 4 skin samples taken from healthy volunteers served as control Results: The mean number of cyclin D1(+) and A(+) cells was significantly higher in sBCC and nBCC than in the control group. A significantly lower number of cyclin B1(+) cells was noted in groups 1 and 2 when compared to the controls. The number of cyclin D1(+) cells was statistically higher in sBCC than in nBCC. Expression of other cyclins did not differ between the two BCC subtypes. Conclusions: The obtained results indicating distinct expression of cyclin D1 partially testify other mechanisms of sBCC and nBCC development.