Aberrant FHIT protein expression in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma: a potential marker

Abstract

Aims: The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene is frequently inactivated in human cancers; however, the FHIT gene remains unexplored in Hodgkin's lymphoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of FHIT expression in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. Methods: Classical Hodgkin's lymphomas were analysed for FHIT gene expression by two-step non-biotin immunohistochemical method and Western blotting. Results: Thirty of the 33 (91%) cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma tested were positive for FHIT protein by immuohistochemistry. The expression of FHIT was mainly located in cytoplasm of Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells. The protein expression was also documented by Western blotting. The non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were negative for FHIT protein. Conclusions: The results indicate that abnormal FHIT expression is noted frequently in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma and the expression can give insight into the pathogenesis of the disease. The protein may serve as a marker to localise HRS cells in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma.