Abstract:

Objective To investigate the expression of nuclear transcription factor κB（NF-κB）in B cell lymphoma，and analyze possible relationships between expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect NF-κB protein expression in tissues from 42 patients with B cell lymphoma and 20 patients with reactive lymph node hyperplasia. Relationships between NF-κB expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Results The rate of NF-κB-positive tissue was significantly higher among patients with B cell lymphoma （78.57%，33/42） than among those with reactive lymph node hyperplasia（20%，4/20；P<0.001）. Level of NF-κB protein expression correlated with Ann-Arbor clinical stage and histology grade （P<0.05），but not with sex，age or lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）level （P>0.05）. Conclusion NF-κB plays an important role in the development of B cell lymphoma， and it may serve as a prognostic indicator.

Key words: Lymphoma, Nuclear factor kappa B, immunohistochemistry, Expression, Clinical significance