PMC

Nrf2 expression in endometrial cancers. The graph was generated when ≥50% positively stained cells irrespective of intensity of staining was defined as positive.

Nrf2 expression in endometrial intraepithelial neoplastic lesions. The graph was generated when >50% positively stained cells irrespective of intensity of staining was defined as positive.

Nrf2 staining in endometrial cancers. Nrf2 was focally positive in an endometrioid carcinoma (upper panel), while diffuse cytoplasmic and focal nuclear staining was seen in an endometrial serous carcinoma (lower panel), (original magnifications: 200×).

Nrf2 staining in endometrial serous carcinoma and its precursor lesions. Nrf2 was strongly and focally positive in cytoplasm of serous EmGD (left). Strong and diffuse positive staining was seen in both serous EIC (mid) and endometrial serous carcinoma (right). (original magnifications: 200×).

Nrf2 immunostaining in endometrial precancerous lesions. Negative Nrf2 immunostaining was seen in a case of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (right upper panel). In contrast, intense diffuse Nrf2 immunoreactivity was observed in serous EmGD glands (left side of the right lower panel). Stromal cells were negative. (original magnifications: 200×).

Western blotting of Nrf2 expression in endometrial specimens. Nrf2 protein was shown as a 110 kD band on western blot. Actin used as a load control. Bar graph (low panel) represented a ratio of Nrf2 and actin. Lane 1, SPEC 2 cells (derived from an endometrial serous carcinoma and known to express a high level Nrf2) served as a positive control; Lane 2, Ishikawa cells (derived from a well differentiated endometrioid carcinoma); Lanes 3 and 4: endometrial serous carcinomas; Lane 5, serous EIC; Lane 6, serous EmGD; Lane 7, endometrioid carcinoma; Lane 8, mucinous carcinoma; Lane 9, Atypical endometrial hyperplasia; and Lane 10, benign proliferative endometrium.