Expression of WWOX mRNA and protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue and its significance

Abstract

Objective To explore the expression of WWOX mRNA and protein inesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tisuss. Methods The expression of WWOX was detected by RTPCR and SP immunohistochemical methods in 50 cases of ESCC tissue, 19 cases of mucosa adjacent to cancer, and 50 cases of normal esophageal mucosa. Results The relative content of WWOX mRNA depressed by turns in cancer tissue, mucosa adjacent to cancer and normal mucosa tissue which were 0.81 ± 0.08,0.84 ± 0.05,0.90 ± 0.05, respectively. And there was significant difference in group comparison (F = 45. 736, P < 0.05). The expression of WWOX mRNA was closely correlated with the tumor grade, TNM grade, infiltrative depth and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC tissue (P < 0.05). The positive rate of WWOX protein expression in cancer tissue and mucosa adjacent to cancer were lower than that of normal mucosa tissue which were 42.0% (21/50), 64.8 % (13/19), 84.0% (42/50) respectively. And there was a significant difference in group comparison(P < 0.05). The expression of WWOX protein was closely correlated with the tumor grade, TNM grade,infiltrative depth and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC tiissue (P <0.05). Conclusions The expression of WWOX mRNA and protein decreased in ESCC tissue, which suggest the WWOX gene may be related to oncogenesis of ESCC tissue. Combined detection of the expression of WWOX mRNA and protein may be used in early diagnosis and prognosis judgement of ESCC tissue. Key words: WWOX ; Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ; RT-PCR ; Immunohistochemistry ;