High expression of Livin serves as a predictive indicator for parotid gland tumors.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the expression of Livin in benign and malignant parotid gland tumors. We also investigate the role of Livin in the occurrence and progression of parotid gland tumors.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Livin expression in 30 cases of normal parotid gland tissues, 40 cases of benign parotid gland tumors and 60 cases of malignant parotid gland tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between Livin expression and pathological characteristics of patients with parotid gland tumors was analyzed. The differentially expressed Livin in normal parotid gland tissues and malignant parotid gland tumors was determined by Western blot and quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively.

RESULTS

Livin expression was unable to be detected in normal parotid gland tissues. The positive rate of Livin expression in benign and malignant parotid gland tumors was 17.50% and 71.67%, respectively (p<0.05). Livin expression was correlated to malignant level, clinical stage and tumor diameter in 60 cases of malignant parotid gland tumors (p<0.05). However, the positive rate of Livin expression was not correlated to lymph node metastasis, age and sex of patients with parotid gland tumors (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Livin expression is closely related to the pathological progression of parotid gland tumors, which may serve as a hallmark in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with parotid gland tumors.