Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Egfr) in Mole Hydatidiforms, Exaggarated Placental Sites
and Normal Placentas and Ki 67 in  Mole Hydatidiforms and Normal Placentas 1*

Gökben YILDIRIM KÜPESİZ1, Hadice Elif PEŞTERELİ1, Gülgün ERDOĞAN1, 
Mehmet ŞİMŞEK2, Fatma Şeyda KARAVELİ1
Antalya-Turkey

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to find out differences between expression of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and Ki 67 labeling index (LI) in complete, incomplete mole hydatidiforms, exaggareted placental sites and normal placentas.
STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen incomplete, 7 complete hydatidiform moles, 19 exaggareted placental sites and 10 placentas (control group) were studied immunohistochemically for EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)and Ki 67.
RESULTS: Ki 67 LI of villous cytotrophoblasts differed significantly between complete and incomplete hydatidiform moles (p < 0.01). Ki67 LIs of hydatidiform moles were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.001). EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)staining of villous cytotrophoblasts differed significantly between complete, incomplete hydatidiform moles and control group (p < 0.001). EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) expression of syncytiotrophoblast differed significantly between complete, incomplete hydatidiform moles and control group (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Expression of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)in syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblasts is important in the pathogenesis of complete and incomplete hydatidiform moles. Ki67 LI can be a useful marker in differentiating complete and incomplete moles.
(Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med 2006; 12:82-84)

Key Words:  Mole hydatiform, Exaggerated placental site, Ki67 labeling index, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)