Abstract
BackgroundCancers have a multifactorial etiology a part of which is genetic. Recent data indicate that expression of the tight junction claudin proteins is involved in the etiology and progression of cancer.MethodsTo explore the correlations of the tight junction proteins claudin-2,-6, and −11 in the pathogenesis and clinical behavior of gastric cancer, 40 gastric cancer tissues and 28 samples of non-neoplastic tissues adjacent to the tumors were examined for expression of claudin-2,-6, and −11 by streptavidin-perosidase immunohistochemical staining method.ResultsThe positive expression rates of claudin-2 in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were 25% and 68% respectively (P < 0.001). The positive expression rates of claudin-6 in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were 55% and 79% respectively (P = 0.045 < 0.05). In contrast, the positive expression rates of claudin-11 in gastric cancer tissues and gastric cancer adjacent tissues were 80% and 46% (P = 0.004 < 0.01). Thus in our study, the expression of claudin-2, and claudin-6 was down regulated in gastric cancer tissue while the expression of claudin-11 was up regulated. Correlations between claudin expression and clinical behavior were not observed.ConclusionOur study provides the first evidence that claudin-2,-6, and −11 protein expression varies between human gastric cancers and adjacent non-neoplastic tissues.Virtual slidesThe virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/5470513569630744
Highlights
The progression of cancer is accompanied by multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations that have potential as markers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention [1]
The expression of claudin-2 and claudin-6 was reduced in gastric cancer In our study, claudin-2 expression was evaluated in the cytoplasm or membranes of 40 gastric cancers tissues and 28 specimens containing gastric tissue adjacent to the carcinoma
The expression of claudin-11 was increased in gastric cancer The cytoplasmic staining of claudin-11 was strong in gastric cancer tissues and weak in adjacent tissues
Summary
The progression of cancer is accompanied by multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations that have potential as markers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention [1]. Claudin-3 and claudin-4 have been found to be regularly elevated in ovarian, breast, prostate and pancreatic tumors [13] This observation suggests that alterations in claudin expression may occur as a common phenomenon related to human tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Claudin-6 protein is significantly down-regulated in breast invasive ductal carcinomas and is an important correlate with lymphatic metastasis [15]. Together such observations suggest that claudin protein expression may be related to the survival and invasion of cancer cells and may have significant clinical relevance. Recent data indicate that expression of the tight junction claudin proteins is involved in the etiology and progression of cancer. Methods: To explore the correlations of the tight junction proteins claudin-2,-6, and −11 in the pathogenesis and clinical behavior of gastric cancer, 40 gastric cancer tissues and 28 samples of non-neoplastic tissues adjacent to the tumors were examined for expression of claudin-2,-6, and −11 by streptavidin-perosidase immunohistochemical staining method
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
