ABSTRACT
Objective To study the expression of forkhead box 2(FOXC2)and delta-like liGand 4 (DLL4)in invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC)of breast and the clinical siGnificance. Methods The expression of FOXC2 and DLL4 in l22 cases of IDC(Grade Ⅰ33,Grade Ⅱ40,GradeⅢ 49)were observed by tissue chip and immunohistochemistry. The relationship of the expression with clinicopatholoGical characteristics and between FOXC2 and DLL4 were statistically analyzed. PCR experiment was performed in normal breast tissue,ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS)IDC Grade Ⅰ,Grade Ⅱ and Grade Ⅲ(l0 cases respectively). Results The positive rate of FOXC2 and DLL4 in IDC was 77. 87% and 74. 59% respectively. A hiGher expression was observed in GradeⅢ than in GradeⅠand Ⅱ( P<0. 05 ). The expression of FOXC2 was related to the neGative expression of ER. The expression of DLL4 was related to the tumour size,clinical staGe and lymph node metastasis( P<0. 05). The RCR of FOXC2 and DLL4 were Gradually increased in normal breast tissue,DCIS,IDC GradeⅠ, Grade Ⅱ and Grade Ⅲ(P<0. 05). Moreover the expression of FOXC2 was related to the expression of DLL4(r=0. 233,P=0. 0l0). Conclusion FOXC2 and DLL4 miGht toGether have influence on the proGression and outcome of breast carcinoma,and could be important markers of proGnosis. DLL4 miGht be reGulated by variety of factors includinG FOXC2 at the same time.