Abstract: Objective: To detect the expressions of RECK and RAGE in incipient, recurrent, and malignant pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of salivary glands, and to study their clinical significance. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of RECK and RAGE in four groups, 13 cases with normal salivary gland tissue, 36 cases with incipient PA, 8 cases with recurrent PA, 10 cases with Malignant transformation. The differences of RECK and RAGE expressions were analyzed and their correlation was investigated. Results: The positive expression rates of RAGE were 15.40%, 41.70%, 62.50%, and 90.00% respectively, which increased from the normal gland group to the malignant group. The positive expression rates and intensity of RAGE in the normal and incipient group were significantly lower than those in the recurrent and malignant group (P<0.05). The positive expression rates of RECK in the four groups were 76.90%, 55.60%, 37.50%, and 20.00% respectively, which decreased from the first group to the last group. The positive expression rate and intensity of RECK in the normal and incipiant group were significantly higher than those in the recurrent and malignant groups (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the expression of RAGE and RECK were negatively correlated in four groups (r=-0.512, P<0.05). Conclusion: It might be beneficial to understand the pathogenesis of recurrence and malignant transformation of PA, and might provide reference for patient's prognosis and for comprehensive treatments.

Key words: Salivary gland , Pleomorphic adenoma , RAGE , RECK , Immunohistochemical