Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the expression profiles of the glutathione S-transferase-Mu (GST-M) isozyme and tumor protein 53 (p53) in both healthy and tumorous brain tissues. The findings are compared with clinical features and lifestyle factors to identify potential associations or correlations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 149 patients diagnosed with primary or metastatic intracranial tumors. The expression levels of GST-M and p53 proteins were assessed in healthy and tumorous brain tissues using immunohistochemical staining. We also evaluated the associated clinical features and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the expression levels of GST-M between tumorous and healthy brain tissues, with tumor tissues showing higher expression (p<0.0001). Conversely, robust p53 expression was absent in both normal (97.3%) and tumor (78.5%) tissues. Nevertheless, a significantly higher prevalence of samples with p53 expression was found in the tumor group (p<0.0001). No associations were found between expression levels and clinical features or lifestyle risk factors. Furthermore, GST-M and p53 expression did not impact postoperative survival rates. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate an elevated expression of GST-M in brain tumor tissues, suggesting a potential role for GST-M in brain tumorigenesis.