Expression of NKX 3.1 in Sertoli Cell Tumors

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the NKX3.1 expression by immunohistochemistry in normal testicular parenchyma and in Sertoli cell tumours and Sertoli Leydig cell tumours of the testes and ovary.

Study Design: Retrospective longitudinal study.

Place and Duration of Study: Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore Pakistan, from 2010-2021.

Methodology: We used immunohistochemistry to evaluate the positivity and loss of nuclear expression of NKX3.1 in the Sertoli cell tumour (11 cases), Sertoli Leydig cell tumour (31 cases) and in normal testicular parenchyma (7 cases).

Results: In our study, there were 49 cases. All the cases of benign testicular parenchyma expressed positivity with nuclear staining of NKX 3.1 in Sertoli cells. Two out of 11 Sertoli cell tumours expressed positivity with nuclear positivity of NKX 3.1 in Sertoli cell component (18.18%) and 9 of the cases showed loss of staining of NKX 3.1 (81.8%). All Sertoli Leydig cell tumours showed loss of staining of NKX 3.1.

Conclusion: Nuclear expression of NKX 3.1 is seen in Sertoli cells of normal testicular parenchyma. This staining is lost in Sertoli cell tumours and Sertoli Leydig cell tumours.