# Expression of phosphohistone H3 and X-linked inhibitors of apoptosis-related proteins in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands

## TL;DR

This study examines the expression of PHH3 and XIAP proteins in two common salivary gland cancers to understand their role in tumor behavior and prognosis.

## Contribution

The study evaluates PHH3 and XIAP expression in MEC and AdCC for potential prognostic value.

## Key findings

- PHH3 and XIAP expression correlates with higher histological grades in MEC and AdCC.
- Higher PHH3 and XIAP levels are linked to more aggressive tumor features.
- PHH3 and XIAP expression is positively correlated with each other in these cancers.

## Abstract

The two most prevalent cancers of the salivary glands are adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). They show great variation in clinical presentation and histopathological features, which can influence patient prognosis. Phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) is an essential histone protein involved in chromatin structure and cell division. It has proven valuable in diagnosing and grading several tumor types. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) prevents apoptosis. Both PHH3 and XIAP could shed light on the biological behavior prognosis of MECs and AdCCs. The purpose of this research was to assess the expression of PHH3 and XIAP in different histological types of MEC and AdCC and examine their relationships with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients. This study analyzed 30 archived paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, including 16 samples from MEC patients and 14 from AdCC patients. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess PHH3 and XIAP expression. The results were evaluated via a semiquantitative scoring system and statistically correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. All patients had positive immunohistochemical expression of both PHH3 and XIAP. Higher levels of these markers were directly associated with higher histological grades in both MECs and AdCCs. PHH3 and XIAP expression strongly correlated with each other. Immunoreactivity for both markers was significantly elevated in tumors with higher-grade histopathological features. The histological grade of MEC and AdCC might be affected by the expression of PHH3 and XIAP biomarkers. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the possible prognostic role of PHH3 and XIAP in the diagnosis of MEC and AdCC.