ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the expression of nemo-like kinase (NLK) in primary hepatic carcino-ma (HCC) and its clinicopathological significance. Methods The expression of NLK was detected in 136 HCC samples by Immunohistochemistry. Results NLK expression was significantly up-regulated in HCC specimens compared to corresponding normal liver tissues. High expression of NLK was significantly associated with Ed-mondson-steiner grade, tumor size and number of tumor nodules (all P < 0.05). There was positive correlation between NLK and proliferation marker Ki-67 (P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the high expression NLK group was significantly associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival (all P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that the high expression NLK was associated with poor prognosis (P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis suggested that the expressions of NLK and Ki-67 , Edmondson-steiner grade , metastasis , tu-mor size and number of tumor nodules were independent prognostic indicators for HCC. Conclusions NLK was markedly upregulated in HCC specimens, and it might be an independent prognostic marker for HCC. NLK might play an important role in tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis of HCC.