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F Cetani, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
E Pardi, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
C Banti, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
P Collecchi, Oncology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
P Viacava, Oncology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
S Borsari, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
G Fanelli, Department of Oncology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
A Naccarato, Oncology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
F Saponaro, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
P Berti, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
P Miccoli, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
A Pinchera, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
C Marcocci, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Filomena Cetani, Email: cetani{at}endoc.med.unipi.it

Abstract

Aberrant accumulation of β-catenin has been found in various types of human tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Wnt/β-catenin signaling is activated in parathyroid carcinomas and adenomas. We studied 154 parathyroid tumors [18 carcinomas (13 with distant metastases), 6 atypical adenomas and 130 adenomas]. Three normal parathyroid tissues were used as control. Direct sequencing of exon 3 of the CTNNB1 gene showed absence of stabilizing mutations in all the tumors. Immunostaining of β-catenin was performed in all carcinomas and in 66 adenomas (including 3 atypical). Normal parathyroid showed a homogeneous distinct outer cell membrane staining in the majority of cells and no nuclear staining. A weak cytoplasmic staining was observed in one case. All tumors showed negative nuclear staining. With the exception of one carcinoma, which had a negative membrane staining, all other samples showed a membrane staining which was similar to that of the normal parathyroid. β-catenin expression was heterogeneous with a range of positive cells between 5 to 80%, independently of tumor type. Our results suggest that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is not involved in the development of parathyroid carcinomas and adenomas.