The Expression of Semaphorin 3G (SEMA3G) Protein in Breast Cancer Tissue by the Immunohistochemistry Method

Piwkham, Duangjai; Songsri, Apiram; Charoenlap, Cheep; Kotepui, Manas; Uthaisar Kotepui, Kwuntida

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.11.4035

The Expression of Semaphorin 3G (SEMA3G) Protein in Breast Cancer Tissue by the Immunohistochemistry Method

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

² Hematology and Transfusion Science Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

³ Department of Anatomical Pathology, Hatyai Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand.

⁴ Medical Technology Program, Faculty of Science, Nakhon Phanom University, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand.

10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.11.4035

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer is a major health issue for women worldwide, with high incidence rates and as one of the primary causes of mortality among women. However, molecular studies related to the development and spread of breast cancer are still not well understood. According to research reports, the Semaphorin 3G (SEMA3G) gene significantly contributes to the growth and dissemination of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of the SEMA3G protein found in healthy breast tissue versus breast cancer patient tissue and to investigate the correlation between SEMA3G protein expression and the spread of breast cancer cells to axillary lymph nodes, as well as other clinical data, using immunohistochemistry. Results: From the study of 88 breast tissue samples, it was found that SEMA3G levels, with an immunohistochemistry (IHC) index > 4, were significantly higher in breast cancer tissue compared to normal breast tissue (P-value < 0.0001, OR (95% CI) = 8.565 to +infinity). Moreover, SEMA3G protein expression (IHC index > 6) was detected at elevated levels in breast cancer tissue that had spread to axillary lymph nodes compared with breast cancer tissue without lymph node metastasis (P-value = 0.038, OR (95% CI) = 4.41 (1.19–13.81)). Additionally, the study found a positive correlation between high SEMA3G protein expression and HER2-positive breast cancer. Conclusions: Higher SEMA3G expression was significantly associated with breast cancer presence, axillary lymph node metastasis, and HER2 positivity, indicating that SEMA3G may play a role in tumor aggressiveness and could serve as a potential marker for disease progression, with potential implications for clinical decision-making in treatment strategies.

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