Effects of the expression of adhesion molecules on the metastasis of cirrhotic liver cancer in mice

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of a cirrhotic environment on the metastasis of liver cancer in mice.Methods Male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to two groups:cirrhosis group and control group.The cirrhosis group was treated by an injection of carbon tetrachloride intraperitoneally.H22 liver cancer cells were directly implanted under the capsule of each group after cirrhosis was established.The animals were sacrificed at 1,2,and 3 weeks after the operation.The metastatic behavior of the cancer cells was observed by the naked eye and microscopically.Additionally,the adhesion ability of the liver was assessed by measuring the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1),E-selectin,and E-cadherin.Results After the operation,the cirrhosis group showed an obvious metastatic tendency in both intrahepatic (14/19) and extrahepatic ways (4/19),compared with the control group's intrahepatic (5/17) and extrahepatic ways (1/17) (P＜0.05).Immunohistochemisty for VCAM-1 and E-selectin showed a significant increase in the cirrhosis (P＜0.05).However,there was no difference observed in the E-cadherin between the cirrhosis and control group.Conclusion A cirrhotic liver environment may promote the metastasis of liver cancer cells by increasing the ability of liver adhesion. Key words: Liver cancer; Liver cirrhosis; Metastasis