Expression of CaMKⅡ in Aldosterone-producing Tumors and Its Clinical Significance

doi:10.3870/j.issn.1672-0741.25.09.018

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression of CaMKⅡ in aldosterone-producing adenoma(APA),adrenal nonfunctional adenoma(NFA),and normal adrenal tissue. Methods The mRNA and protein expression of CaMKⅡ in APA,NFA,and normal adrenal tissues was detected by quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunohistochemical staining. Results Both qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that the mRNA and protein levels of CaMKⅡ were significantly higher in APA than in normal adrenal glands and NFA(all P<0.05).Immunohistochemical staining in the adrenal cortex demonstrated that CaMKⅡ was primarily detected in the zona glomerulosa(ZG),with weak or negligible expression in the zona fasciculata and reticularis.In APA tissues,CaMKⅡ immunoreactivity was observed in a subpopulation of steroidogenic cells resembling ZG-like cells,particularly located beneath the capsule or surrounding blood vessels.The peritumoral tissue adjacent to APA exhibited significantly more remodeling than that adjacent to NFA and normal adrenal tissue(both P<0.05).Furthermore,CaMKⅡ immunoreactivity score(IRS)was significantly higher in APA tissues than both normal adrenal and NFA tissues(both P<0.05).A positive correlation was found between CaMKⅡ IRS multiplied by tumor volume and supine plasma aldosterone concentration(PAC)(r=0.41,P<0.05),standing PAC(r=0.47,P<0.05),and 24 h urinary aldosterone(r=0.38,P<0.05).No significant correlations were observed with supine plasma renin activity(PRA),orthostatic PRA,or serum K⁺levels. Conclusion CaMKⅡ may be involved in pathological aldosterone synthesis and secretion,as well as adrenal cortex remodeling.

Key words: CaMKⅡ, aldosterone-producing adenoma, aldosterone biosynthesis

CLC Number:

R586.24

Geng Xiaojing, Zeng Xing, Lin Ying et al. Expression of CaMKⅡ in Aldosterone-producing Tumors and Its Clinical Significance[J]. Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong, 2026, 55(2): 244-250.

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