Correlation Of Increased Tumor Expression Of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Mrna And Low Aromatase Protein Ratio With Prognosis In Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Nsclc)

e21009 Background: Although several studies have shown the presence of estrogen receptors (ERs) in lung tumors, published reports show inconsistent conclusions. Biological role of ER-α, ER-β and aromatase in the development of NSCLC is unclear. Aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of ERs and aromatase mRNA-protein concentration in resected NSCLC. Methods: Lung tumor and normal lung were analyzed for expression of ER-α, ER-β and aromatase using a 7900HT Applied Biosystem Fast PCR System. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed for the detection of ER and aromatase expression using RNA from lung cancer tissues immediately submerged in RNA Later (Qiagen) after surgery. Aromatase protein was detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for human aromatase (USCN Life Science). Results: We included 96 patients (80 male/16 female) with resected NSCLC; 51% adenocarcinoma, 43% squamous, 6% others. Pathological stages: 43% I, 33% II, 22% III and...