Loss of Peroxiredoxin Expression Is Associated with an Aggressive Phenotype in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: The role of the redox-regulating peroxiredoxin (Prx) enzymes I-VI in pancreatic carcinoma is poorly characterized.

Materials and methods: The expression of Prxs I, II, III, V and VI was immunohistochemically evaluated in benign pancreas and in 69 pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples.

Results: Cytoplasmic Prx I expression was significantly greater in cancer cells than in benign pancreas (p=0.002) and Prx I expression in adenocarcinoma cells was associated with a larger tumour (p=0.005). Stronger cytoplasmic Prx III expression was associated with node negativity (p=0.007) and better tumor differentiation (p=0.033). Greater cytoplasmic Prx V expression was associated with smaller tumours (p=0.029) and negative nodal status (p=0.003). Among patients with T3-4 tumours, stronger intensity of cytoplasmic Prx I was associated with longer relapse-free survival (p=0.041). In patients with tumours of T3-4 class only, cytoplasmic Prx VI expression was associated with longer disease-free survival (p=0.0037).

Conclusion: Peroxiredoxins appear to be promising prognostic factors in cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and this may be related to their potential as tumour suppressors.

Keywords: Peroxiredoxins; antioxidant enzymes; oxidative stress; pancreatic cancer.