The clinical significance of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 gene expressions in gallbladder adenocarcinoma and adjacent tissues

Abstract

Objective To investigate the gene expressions of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 in gallbladder adenocarcinoma, tumor adjacent tissues and adenomatous polyp, and to explore the clinicopathological significance. Methods The EnVision immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expressions of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 in routine paraffin-embedded sections of tissue samples of gallbladder adenocarcinoma (n=80), tumor adjacent tissues (n=25) and adenomatous polyp (n=25). Results The po-sitive rates of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 were significantly lower in gallbladder adenocarcinoma than those in tumor adjacent tissues and adenomatous polyp (P<0.05). The positive rates were significantly higher in specimens with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, no lymph node metastasis and no infiltrated regional tissues or organs than in specimens with low-differentiated adenocarcinoma, lymph node metastasis and infiltrated regional tissues or organs (P<0.05). Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that low expressions of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 were significantly associated with better overall survival (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that positive expressions of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 were positively correlated with survival. Conclusions The expressions of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 might be important biological markers for predicting carcinogenesis, progression, biological behaviors and prognosis in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. The specimens showing positive expressions of MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 were associated with good prognosis. Key words: Gallbladder adenocarcinoma; Gene, MGMT, hMLH1,hMSH2; Immunohistoche-mistry