Changes in the Immuno-Expression of Galectins -1, -3 and -7 in Relation to the Biological Behavior of Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective: To evaluate the expression through immunohistochemistry of galectins -1, -3 and -7 in cases of lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in association with clinical data and morphological parameters proposed by Bryne (1998). Material and Methods: Thirty paraffin-embedded SCC cases were submitted to histological sections. Two independent pathologists performed the analysis of galectins -1, -3 and -7 through light microscopy evaluating the presence or absence of marking and intensity. The expressions of these proteins were submitted to statistical analysis (chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Binomial test for the comparison of proportions). Results: Positive expression of galectins -1 and -3 was observed in 93.3% and 43.3% of cases, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant association between these proteins and the clinical variables used. Galectin-7 immuno-expression was present in all cases evaluated and showed statistical significance between marked cell type (parenchyma cells) and regional metastasis and between marked cell type (parenchyma cells) and histological gradation. Conclusion: Changes in the galectins -1, -3 and -7 expression suggest the participation of these proteins in the regulation of cellular functions and that the immuno-expression of these proteins can act as a marker of the biological behavior of lip squamous cell carcinoma.