OBJCTIVE: 1. To evaluate the percentage of caspase-3 and CD-34 expression on adenocarcinoma; 2. to quantify caspase-3 and CD-34 in tumor cells; 3. to verify the relationship between biomarkers and its malignancy; 4. to correlate biomarkers themselves. METHODS: Thirty-eight human malignant prostate specimens, Gleason's score, were immunohistochemically stained for caspase-3 and CD-34 protein. Quantification was done under Samba 4000 Immuno System reading, yielding two variables: label index and optical density. Statistical analyses were based on cross-methods involving univariate and bivariate as well as correlation factors among independent variables. RESULTS: Immunostaining was revealed in 25 plates for caspase-3 and 34 for CD-34. Caspase-3 expression for label index was over 50 in 76%, while for optical density was below 50 in 96%. CD-34 expression demonstrated label index over 50 in 59% and optical density below 50 in 56%. Correlation among expression and severity did not demonstrate to be statistically significant. There was no correlation between protein expression and Gleason's score. CONCLUSION: 1. Caspase-3 and CD-34 were present respectively in 73.5% and 100% of samples; 2. caspase-3 and CD-34 showed high expression regarding label index and low expression in optical density; 3. there was no statistical significance among expressions and tumor severity according to Gleason's score; 4. no significant correlation could be set between the biomarkers themselves.
Caspase 3; Antigens, CD34; Cytophotometry; Immunohistochemistry; Adenocarcinoma; Prostatic neoplasms
