NRF-2 and KEAP-1 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A clinicopathological study

Abstract

Background : Pancreatic cancer is one of the main causes of death in many nations. A delayed diagnosis would be detrimental because it has a bad prognosis and has poor specific symptoms and indicators. Additionally, it demonstrates a significant level of chemotherapeutic treatment resistance. Oxidative stress has a key role in the aetiology of pancreatic cancer. The transcription factor NRF2 controls how the body responds to oxidative stress since it interacts with Keap1, causing it to be targeted for ubiquitylation and proteasomal destruction. In cancer biology, Nrf2 has a double-edged sword depending on the stage of carcinogenesis. Aim : The study aimed to investigate the expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 in pancreatic cancer cells and to compare the findings to other clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods : A retrospective study was done on 45 pancreatic carcinoma patients. Immunohistochemical staining for Nrf2 and Keap1 was done and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Results : Significant statistical associations were found between NRF2 expression with duodenal and pancreatic infiltration. A significant relation was seen between Keap1 expression and duodenal infiltration as well as between NRF2 expression and Keap1 expression in tumor cells. Conclusion : Nrf2 and Keap1 may play important roles in pancreatic carcinogenesis.