Relationship between E2F1 and MDM2 expressions and the malignancy in glioma

Objective To detect the expressions of E2F1 and MDM2 gene in gliomas of different malignancy and to explore the relationship between the expressions and the malignant grades. Methods Immunohistochemical staining of MDM2 and E2F1 was performed in 82 cases of glioma (grade I 20 cases, grade II 20 cases, grade III 21 cases, grade IV 21 cases). Chi-square test was applied for statistical analysis. Results E2F1 and MDM2 expressions were different in different grades of gliomas. It was obvious that E2F1 expression was mainly in low-grade glioma (grade I 65.0% and grade II 40%, X2=3.919,P0.05), while MDM2 expression was mainly in high-grade glioma(grade III 57.1% and grade IV 76.2%, X2=12.602, P0.01). Conclusion It might be considered that E2F1 and MDM2 act differently in glioma. The role of E2F1 expression in glioma is similar to that of a tumor suppressor gene, while MDM2 acts as an oncogene.