The relationship between PTTG, p16 and cyclinD1 expression with invasiveness of pituitary adenomas

Objective To examine the expression of PTTG, p16 and cyclinD1, and explore the relationship between those expression with cell cycle regulation and invasiveness of pituitary adenomas. Methods The mRNA expression of PTTG and p16 were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the protein expressions of PTTG, P16 and cyclinD1 was decided respectively by immunohistochemical analysis in 30 patients with invasive and non-invasive pituitary adenoma groups. Results The ratio of loss or lower of the p16 mRNA presentation was 73.3%. There was no significantly different expression of PTTG mRNA between p16 mRNA loss and expression groups. The PTTG and cyclinD1 protein expression was significant higher in invasive group than in non-invasive pituitary adenoma group, and had a positive correlation. In contrast, the p16 protein expression was lower and reversely related with PTTG and cyclinD1 protein expression. Conclusion These data suggest that there is no clear association between invasiveness of pituitary adenomas and loss or lower of p16 mRNA expression. The change of expression of PTTG, P16 and cyclinD1 proteins is relating to the cell cycle control; and can be useful markers in the determination of invasive behavior of pituitary adenomas.