Expression and correlation between p16 oncoprotein and PCNA in astrocytic tumors with various malignancy

Objective To detect the expression of p16 oncoprotein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in astrocytic tumors. Methods SP immunohistochemical analysis method was used. Results ①The expression of p16 oncoprotein in astrocytic tumors (LI mean=28.50%) was remarkably weaker than that in non- tumor brain tissues (LI mean=62.25%). The intensity of p16 staining was stronger in tumors with lower grade of malignancy; ②In astrocytic tumors, a significant negative correlation ( r=0.83, P 0.01) was observed between the p16 oncoprotein and PCNA labeling index (LI). Conclusion Immunohistochemical analysis of p16 oncoprotein combined with PCNA expression might be useful not only in deciding the grade of malignancy but also in some prognosis value in astrocytic tumors.