Clinical Significance of Annexin A1 Expression in Breast Cancer

Purpose: The expression of Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is known to be reduced in human breast cancer; however, the role of ANXA1 expression in the development of breast cancer remains unclear. In this study, we determined the relationship between the expression features of ANXA1 and the prognostic factors of breast cancer. Methods: Human breast tissues were obtained from patients specimens who had undergone breast surgery or core needle biopsies. The patterns of ANXA1 expression were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining in relation to histopathological diagnosis, clinical characteristics and outcomes. Results: One hundred eighty-two cases were included and the mean age of the patients was 46.34 ± 11.5 years. A significant loss of ANXA1 expression was noted in both ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive carcinomas compared to normal breast tissues (p<0.001) and benign breast diseases (p<0.001). There was a significan

Annexin-A1: a pivotal regulator of the innate and adaptive immune systems

The glucocorticoids are the most potent anti-inflammatory drugs that we possess and are effective in a wide variety of diseases. Although their action is known to involve receptor mediated changes in gene transcription, the exact mechanisms whereby these bring about their pleiotropic action in inflammation are yet to be totally understood. Whilst many different genes are regulated by the glucocorticoids, we have identified one particular protein—annexin A1 (Anx-A1)—whose synthesis and release is strongly regulated by the glucocorticoids in many cell types. The biology of this protein, as revealed by studies using transgenic animals, peptide mimetics and neutralizing antibodies, speaks to its role as a key modulator of both of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The mechanism whereby this protein exerts its effects is likely to be through the FPR receptor family—a hitherto rather enigmatic family of G protein coupled receptors, which are increasingly implicated in the regulation of many inflammatory processes. Here we review some of the key findings that have led up to the elucidation of this key pathway in inflammatory resolution