Expressions of Slug, BRAF V600E and STIP1 proteins and their correlation with capsular invasion and regional lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective To observe the expressions of Slug, BRAF V600E and STIP1 proteins in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and to explore their correlation with capsular invasion and regional lymph node metastasis. Methods Slug, BRAF V600E and STIP1 expressions in 107 cases of differentiated PTC were examined by immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of three proteins and clinicopathological data were statistically analyzed. Results Positive rates of Slug, BRAF V600E and STIP1 in PTC were 65.4% (70/107), 61.7% (66/107) and 66.4% (71/107), respectively, and overexpression of Slug, BRAF V600E and STIP1 was significantly associated with capsular invasion and regional lymph node metastasis in PTC (P < 0.05). There are a significant correlation between expression of Slug and BRAF V600E in PTC (r= 0.235, P < 0.05). Conclusion Overexpression of Slug, BRAF V600E and STIP1 proteins is associated with capsular invasion and regional lymph node metastasis in PTC, which maybe useful for predicting regional lymph node metastasis and prognostic evaluation. Key words: Thyroid neoplasms; Carcinoma, papillary; Slug; BRAF V600E; STIP1; Lymph nodes metastasis; Prognosis