High Kruppel-like factor 5 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in dogs with canine mammary carcinoma.

摘要

Canine mammary tumors are the most common neoplasms in female dogs. The Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), a transcription factor, is involved in the pathobiology of cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of KLF5 and its clinical relevance in canine mammary tumor. One hundred forty-two canine mammary tumor specimens, comprising 75 carcinomas and 67 benign tumors were evaluated for KLF5 expression by immunohistochemistry and with the aid of Quick score. KLF5 expression was compared to various clinical and histologic parameters. The results indicated that high KLF5 level significantly correlated with large tumor size, high grade, advanced stages, and high Ki-67 index. Survival analysis also showed that high KLF5 expression was predictive of shorter survival in dogs with mammary carcinoma. This study revealed the pro-proliferation effect of KLF5 in canine mammary carcinoma and suggested that immunohistochemical analysis for KLF5 protein expression may contribute prognostic information.