Expression of Peroxiredoxin II in Vascular Tumors of the Skin: a Novel Vascular Marker of Endothelial Cells

Background: The peroxiredoxin (Prx) family consists of peroxidases to remove H(2)O(2) by using the thioredoxin system. In a previous study, Prx II was ubiquitously expressed in the epidermis and dermis including dermal vessels.

Objective: This study aims to elucidate expression patterns of Prx II in benign and malignant vascular tumors.

Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for Prx II, factor VIII-related antigen, and CD34 was performed in formalin-fixed specimens.

Results: Prx II was strongly expressed in mature endothelial cells of benign vascular tumors, whereas it was expressed weakly or not expressed in immature endothelial cells in malignant tumors of Kaposi's sarcoma and angiosarcoma. The expression patterns of Prx II were similar to those of factor VIII-related antigen, rather than CD34.

Conclusions: Prx II can be used as a novel marker of endothelial cells and indicates that reactive oxygen may play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular tumors.