Expression and distribution of S-100, CD83 and apoptosis-related proteins (Fas, FasL and Bcl-2) in tissues of thyroid carcinoma

Previous studies have shown that dendritic cells (DCs) and apoptosis play a critical role in the pathogenesis of thyroid carcinoma (TC). This study was designed to investigate the expression and distribution of S-100 protein, CD83 and apoptosis-related proteins (Fas, FasL and Bcl-2) in the thyroid tissues of thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC) and their role in TPC pathogenesis. Immunohistochemical staining techniques and other methods were used on pathological tissues of 30 patients with Thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC) and 30 cases of thyroid follicular adenoma (TFA, as control) to detect the expression and distribution of S-100 protein , CD83, Fas, FasL and Bcl-2. A higher expression of S-100 protein in TPC (4.6±3.2%) vs. TFA (0.95±0.64%) (p<0.001) was observed as well as a higher expression of CD83 in the peri-cancerous tissues (PCT) (32.51±22.32) vs. TFA (5.19±8.08) (p<0.001), oppositely, CD83 was negative in the cancerous net. TPC showed greater increases in levels of Fas, FasL and Bcl-2 than did the TFA. Our findings suggest that impaired immune function, absence of CD83-positive mature and activated dendritic cells in cancer nodules may have a role in the pathogenesis of thyroid papillary carcinoma. The regulation of Fas, FasL and Bcl-2 in TPC may help them evade the immune system.