The expression and significance of hTERT and P53 in thyroid carcinoma

Objective: To determine the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and P53 in thyroid carcinoma and its relationship with development and prognosis of the carcinoma. Methods: Totally 90 cases of thyroid specimens (60 thyroid carcinomas, 10 thyroid adenomas, 10 goitres and 10 normal thyroid tissues) were studied by SP immunohistochemical method. Results: Positive immunoreactivity of hTERT and P53 was higher in thyroid carcinoma (P<0.05). The positive rates of hTERT and P53 were higher in undifferentiated carcinomas, carcinomas with lymph nodes metastasis or at stage III + IV than in well-differentiated carcinomas, carcinomas without lymph nodes metastasis or at stage I + II (P<0.05). The expression of hTERT was significantly related with that of P53 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Over-expressed hTERT and P53 may be related to the carcinogenesis and progression of thyroid carcinoma and hTERT expression is related to P53 protein. Examination of expression of hTERT and P53 proteins may be helpful to judge the thyroid cancer's behavior and prognosis.