A comparative study of E-cadherin mRNA expression in primary tumors and metastatic foci of gastric cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the expression level of E-cadherin (E-CD) mRNA in gastric cancer and its relation to biological behavior.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression level of E-CD mRNA was examined by RT-PCR in primary tumors, nearby tumor free tissues, metastatic lymph nodes and peritoneal lavage fluid from 35 cases with advanced gastric cancer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the specimens expressed E-CD mRNA. The expression level in primary tumors was significantly decreased compared with that in nearby tumor free tissues (P < 0.01). The decrease in E-CD expression was more marked in poorly differentiated, diffusely growing tumors invading through serosal membrane. E-CD expression in the primary tumor was more significantly decreased with the increase in the number of lymph nodes (LNS) metastasized and progression of the clinical stage. However, E-CD expression level was significantly increased in metastatic LNs. The difference in E-CD mRNA level between metastatic LN and the primary tumor was increasing with progression of the disease. The expression level of E-CD mRNA in peritoneal lavage fluid was increased in patients whose tumor had penetrated through serosa and larvage fluid was positive on exfoliative cytologic examination.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>E-CD mRNA expression in primary tumors of gastric cancer is negatively correlated with the malignant behavior of the tumor. Nonetheless, that in the metastatic lymph nodes is increased with the progression of the disease.</p>