The relationship between invasiveness and expression of PTTG in human pituitary adenomas

Objective To explore the relationship between pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) expression and invasiveness of pituitary adenomas and its clinical value. Methods A total of 44 pituitary adenoma specimens surgically removed in our department and 6 normal pituitary tissue samples were collected. All the samples were fixed with 10% formalin and then embedded with paraffin. Every case history was reviewed in detail. All the specimens were divided into invasive group(35 cases) and noninvasive group(9 cases) by the combined application of Knosp imaging diagnosis standard and Renzuyuan's standard and referring to all operation records. Expressions of PTTG protein in 50 slices of specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry. The relation between expression of PTTG protein and invasiveness of the pituitary adenomas was analyzed. Results Immunohistochemistry showed that there was significantly high PTTG protein expression in invasive group and low in noninvasive group but no expression in normal pituitary tissue. There was a significant correlation between the expression level of PTTG protein and invasiveness of the pituitary adenomas(P0.01). Conclusion High PTTG protein expression in protooncogene is associated with the invasiveness of pituitary adenomas, suggesting PTTG can serve as the molecule marker of adenoma invasiveness.