Abstract
Hepatolithiasis is etiologically related to cholangiocarcinoma. We underwent this study with an attempt to examine the expression of DPC4/Smad4 gene in stone-containing intrahepatic bile ducts (IHD) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The immunohistochemical method and RT-PCR analysis were used to study the expression of DPC4/Smad4 gene in normal IHD, stone-containing IHD, and ICC. All the specimens were from hepatic resection. The immunohistochemical study showed that all specimens from 24 normal IHD had marked expression of DPC4/Smad4 gene, while there was 4.4% (2/46) and 33.3% (3/9) loss of DPC4/Smad4 expression in stone-containing IHD and ICC, respectively. Among the specimens of stone-containing IHD, all the hyperplastic epithelial cells showed normal expression of DPC4/Smad4 gene while dysplastic epithelial cells showed 20% (2/10) loss expression of DPC4/Smad4. The RT-PCR analysis showed that the normal IHD had the highest content of DPC4/Smad4 mRNA, which was threefold and sixfold higher than that of stone-containing IHD and ICC, respectively. Loss expression of DPC4/Smad4 gene was found both in stone-containing IHD and ICC. Dysplastic epithelium of stone-containing IHD had higher potential for malignant transformation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
