To evaluate the expression of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) in cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) and their correlation with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of individuals with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). The association of PROGINS polymorphism and PR expression in cNFs, as well as the serum steroidal hormones and the number of cNFs, was investigated.
The sample comprised 80 large and 80 small cNFs from 80 individuals with NF1. PR, ER, GPER-1, and Ki-67 expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry in tissue micro- and macroarrays and quantified using a digital computer-assisted method. The number of cNFs, the levels of serum 17β estradiol and progesterone, and the PROGINS polymorphism were identified.
Twelve (8.5%) small cNFs were weakly positive for ER, 131 (92.3%) cNFs expressed PR, and all (100%) cNFs expressed GPER-1. Large cNFs showed a higher expression of PR (P < .0001) and GPER-1 (P = .019) and had a higher intensity of staining for these receptors (P < .0001). The cell proliferation index was positively correlated with PR (P = .001). Persons with more cNFs had higher serum levels of progesterone (P = .001).
These findings emphasize the role of estrogen and progesterone in cNF development and suggest that these hormones may act on cNF cells via a noncanonical pathway through GPER-1.