Pathological analysis of Ki-67 and CD109 expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma

ObjectivesThe aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation of Ki-67 and CD109 expression in tongue SCC (TSCC), and to confirm the utility of CD109 observation as a novel marker for cancer diagnosis.Material and methodsThe expression of Ki-67 and CD109 from 27 patients with pathologically diagnosed well or moderately differentiated TSCC, including carcinoma in situ (CIS), was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-Ki-67 and anti-CD109 antibody. Significant relations between Ki-67 and CD109 expression were statistically assessed. Each expression level was quantified as a labeling index (LI).ResultsImmunohistochemical staining revealed that the LI of CD109 was upregulated with that of Ki-67, and the highest LI of CD109 was frequently detected at 50–60% LI of Ki-67. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between LI of Ki-67 and LI of CD109. In the group of low LI of Ki-67 less than 25%, CIS and some early invasive lesions indicated the high LI of CD109.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a positive relation exists between Ki-67 and CD109 expression in well or moderately differentiated TSCC including CIS, and immunohistochemical assessment of both expressions may well contribute to its pathological diagnosis. Moreover, CD109 could be one of the useful diagnostic markers for the detection of early-stage TSCC.