Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 Is a Potential Serum and Imaging Marker for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Background: Understanding malignant transformation associated with ovarian cancer (OVCA) is important to establish early detection tests. This study examined whether expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78, marker of cellular stress) increases during OVCA development, and whether GRP78 can be detected by targeted-transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) imaging. Methods: Normal ovaries (n = 10), benign (n = 10) and malignant ovarian tumors at early (n = 8) and late stages (n = 16), hens with and without ovarian tumors at early and late stages (n = 10, each) were examined for GRP78 expression during OVCA development by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, gene expression and immunoassay. Feasibility of GRP78-targeted TVUS imaging in detecting early OVCA was examined. Results: Compared with normal ovaries and benign tumors, intensity of GRP78 expression was higher (p p p p p p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Tissue and serum levels of GRP78 increase in association with OVCA. GRP78 offers a potential serum and imaging marker for early OVCA detection.

Keywords

• chronic inflammation
• early detection
• glucose-regulated protein 78
• laying hen
• ovarian cancer
• oxidative stress