[The expression of galectin-3 in nodular thyroid goitre].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of galectin-3 in benign and malignant thyroid nodules. METHODS: Galectin-3 expression was assayed with immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods in thyroid specimens. RESULTS: The majority of the specimens of thyroid carcinomas expressed galectin-3 with immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods (89.7% and 91.7%) and the expression was significantly in different histological types. Papillary and follicular thyroid malignancies showed high expression of galectin-3 (100% positive). Comparing the specimens of thyroid carcinomas with metastases and those without metastases, the expression of galectin-3 was significantly higher in the former than in the latter. Among 25 specimens of benign adenomas and 13 specimens of nodular hyperplasia, only 3 were weakly positive and other were negative. Neither 10 specimens of normal thyroid tissue nor 25 specimens of paracarcinomatous thyroid tissue expressed galectin-3. CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 may be used as a marker for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules.