A Study Of PTEN Immunohistochemistry In Endometrial Biopsies

Abstract

Background: The PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) gene is a critical tumor suppressor located on chromosome 10q23, playing a key role in regulating cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Alterations in PTEN expression and function are significant in the pathology of endometrial diseases including its expression in normal tissue, hyperplastic lesions, and carcinomas.

Objective: To evaluate the significance of PTEN gene alterations in endometrial biopsies and their implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of endometrial conditions.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies that investigate PTEN expression and mutations in normal endometrial tissue, non-atypical and atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma. Key findings from various journal articles and research studies were summarized to provide a detailed overview of PTEN's role across different endometrial conditions.

Results: In normal endometrial tissue, PTEN is typically expressed and helps regulate cellular balance. In non-atypical hyperplasia, PTEN expression is often preserved or moderately reduced, with limited impact on disease progression. In divergence, atypical hyperplasia often shows loss of PTEN mutation, corresponding with a greater hazard of advancement to endometrial carcinoma which are associated with more aggressive tumor behavior, higher grades, and poorer prognosis.

Conclusion: PTEN plays a pivotal role in endometrial pathology, with its expression and functional alterations serving as important indicators of disease state and progression. In endometrial biopsies, PTEN status provides valuable diagnostic and prognostic information, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. PTEN loss is a significant factor in tumor progression and potential metastasis.