Abstract
BackgroundTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor signaling is closely associated with the invasion ability of gastric cancer cells. Although Smad signal is a critical integrator of TGFβ receptor signaling transduction systems, not much is known about the role of Smad2 expression in gastric carcinoma. The aim of the current study is to clarify the role of phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) in gastric adenocarcinomas at advanced stages.MethodsImmunohistochemical staining with anti-p-Smad2 was performed on paraffin-embedded specimens from 135 patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinomas. We also evaluated the relationship between the expression levels of p-Smad2 and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with gastric adenocarcinomas.ResultsThe p-Smad2 expression level was high in 63 (47%) of 135 gastric carcinomas. The p-Smad2 expression level was significantly higher in diffuse type carcinoma (p = 0.007), tumours with peritoneal metastasis (p = 0.017), and tumours with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.047). The prognosis for p-Smad2-high patients was significantly (p = 0.035, log-rank) poorer than that of p-Smad2-low patients, while a multivariate analysis revealed that p-Smad2 expression was not an independence prognostic factor.ConclusionThe expression of p-Smad2 is associated with malignant phenotype and poor prognosis in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma.
Highlights
Transforming growth factor b (TGFb) receptor signaling is closely associated with the invasion ability of gastric cancer cells
TGFb acts as a tumour suppressor in earlystage tumours, during tumour progression the TGFb antiproliferative function is lost, and in certain cases TGFb becomes an oncogenic factor inducing cell
We investigated the phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) expression of gastric carcinoma to clarify the role of p-Smad2 in advanced gastric adenocarcinomas
Summary
Transforming growth factor b (TGFb) receptor signaling is closely associated with the invasion ability of gastric cancer cells. Smad signal is a critical integrator of TGFb receptor signaling transduction systems, not much is known about the role of Smad expression in gastric carcinoma. The aim of the current study is to clarify the role of phosphorylated Smad (p-Smad2) in gastric adenocarcinomas at advanced stages. Transforming growth factor b (TGFb) is a multifunctional cytokine and one of most important pathways for cancer cells [1,2]. TGFb binds to two different serine/ threonine kinase receptors (TbR), termed type I and type II. The activated TbR type I kinase phosphorylates Smad and Smad. TGFb is a potent inhibitor of proliferation, and it has been considered a tumour suppressor. TGFb acts as a tumour suppressor in earlystage tumours, during tumour progression the TGFb antiproliferative function is lost, and in certain cases TGFb becomes an oncogenic factor inducing cell
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 call
