The expression and clinical significance of homeobox B7 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen in cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of homeobox B7 (HOXB7) and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) in cholangiocarcinoma tissues and the clinical significances. Methods Immunohistochemical streptavid-in-peroxidase (SP) method was used to detect the expression of HOXB7 and Ki-67 in 70 cases of cholangiocarcinoma and 15 cases of non-tumor bile duct epithelium. The relationship between the expression of HOXB7 and Ki-67 and clinical progression and prognosis was analyzed. The correlation between the expression of HOXB7 and Ki-67 was analyzed by Spearman analysis method. Results The positive expression rate of HOXB7 and Ki-67 in cholangiocarcinoma tissue (57.1% and 71.4%) was significantly higher than that in non-tumor bile duct epithelium (20.0% and 26.7%; χ2=6.818, P=0.009; χ2=10.682, P=0.001). HOXB7 and Ki-67 expression was significantly correlated with clinical stage, tumor grade and lymph node metastasis. The positive expression rate of HOXB7 and Ki-67 was significantly higher in the stage Ⅲ+ Ⅳ group (χ2=4.073, P=0.044; χ2=4.488, P=0.034), in moderately or poorly-differentiated group than that in well-differentiated group (χ2=7.807, P=0.020; χ2=8.270, P=0.016) and in lymph node metastasis than that in no lymph node metastasis (χ2=6.076, P=0.014; χ2=4.667, P=0.031). A significant correlation was found between the expressions of HOXB7 and Ki-67 in cholangiocarcinoma (r=0.283, P=0.018). The post-operative mean survival time of patients was shortened with the increased expression levels of HOXB7 and Ki-67. Conclusion The abnormal expression of HOXB7 and Ki-67 may play an important role in the occurrence and development of cholangiocarcinoma. Key words: Cholangiocarcinoma; Homeobox B7; Proliferation cell nuclear antigen