Analysis the expression of MIF, Beclin1 and LC3 in human salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma and its prognostic value

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon salivary gland malignancy with poor long-term prognosis. Clinical reports show the high rates of local recurrences and distant metastases. This study aimed to investigate the expression of MIF, Beclin1 and LC3 in ACC. Methods: Tissue specimens were obtained from 41 ACC and 15 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to estimate the level of LC3, Beclin1 and MIF. All patients of ACC were followed up from January 2003 to June 2015. The Kaplan Meier method was performed to compare the patients’ prognosis with different treatments. Results: The patients of 3-, 5- and 10-year survival rates for overall survival were 83.9%, 69.9%, and 46.6% respectively. In this study, we also found that the patients with solid histology or end-grade TNM showed higher level of MIF compared to LC3 and Beclin1. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the ACC patients’ long-term survival is poor. This study also suggests that MIF might be a risk factor for ACC patients, whereas LC3 and Beclin1 might be an effective strategy for treatment of ACC.