Background and objective: Ezrin and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may play an important role in regulating tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study was to investigate the expression of Ezrin and iNOS and their correlation to malignant proliferation of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Methods: Expressions of Ezrin, iNOS and nuclear Ki-67 antigen were detected by immunohistochemistry in common type (n=40), active type (n=25) and malignant (n=11) pleomorphic adenoma.
Results: Expressions of Ezrin, iNOS in common type, active type and malignant pleomorphic adenoma were gradually increased (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of Ezrin and iNOS (P<0.05). Ki-67 proliferation index (Ki-67 PI) was increased with the increasing of Ezrin and iNOS expressions (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Overexpression of Ezrin and iNOS may promote proliferation and malignant transformation of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma.