Abstract
BackgroundDickkopf-1 (DKK1), a secreted protein known as a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, has been implicated in tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance of DKK1 in gastric cancer has not been clarified. MethodsSerum concentrations of DKK1 in 153 patients with gastric cancer and 173 healthy controls were assessed. For tissue DKK1, immunohistochemistry was performed in 144 cancer specimens from 153 patients and in an additional 265 consecutive gastric cancer specimens. ResultsThe serum DKK1 concentrations were significantly higher in the gastric cancer patients than in the healthy controls (p<0.001). At a cutoff concentration of 31.9150pg/ml, the sensitivity and the specificity for gastric cancer diagnosis were 87.6% and 87.9%, respectively. The gastric cancer patients with a serum DKK1 level of ≥60.0pg/ml had significantly diminished survival compared with the patients whose serum DKK1 levels were lower (p=0.033). The DKK1 overexpression in the cancer specimens significantly correlated with the increased serum DKK1 concentrations. ConclusionsSerum DKK1 levels have the potential as a diagnostic marker at a low cutoff value and as a prognostic marker at a high cutoff value. Serum and tissue DKK1 levels may aid in diagnosing gastric cancer and predicting patient outcomes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
