ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the expression of gut-enriched Kruppel-like factor 4(KLF4) in gastric cancer, and its association with prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Surgical specimens were collected from 264 patients undergoing radical surgery between 2004 and 2009 in the Affiliated Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University. KLF4 mRNA level of specimens was detected by real-time PCR. KLF4 protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray, which contained primary gastric cancer, corresponding para-cancerous tissue, and paired lymph node metastases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Real-time PCR revealed that mRNA level of KLF4 was down-regulated in gastric cancer compared with paired normal gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray showed gastric cancer tissues had significantly lower KLF4 levels compared with paired normal gastric tissues. By univariate and multivariate analysis, KLF4 was a significant predictor of survival and recurrence.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>KLF4 expression is significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer, and is an independent predictor of survival and recurrence.</p>