FHIT gene expression in human urinary bladder transitional cell carcinomas.
BACKGROUND
Our purpose was to investigate the expression of FHIT (Fragile Histidine Triad) gene product in a series of 110 urinary bladder TCCs, and its eventual relationship with histological grade, clinical stage, recurrences and patients' survival.


METHODS
We performed immunohistochemistry in archival material of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, using the anti-Fhit antibody and the Streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method.


RESULTS
In 30 out of 110 cases (27.27%) Fhit protein was absent whereas in 32 cases (29.08%) it was abnormally expressed. In 48 cases (43.63%) Fhit protein was diffusely expressed in all tumor cells. A statistically highly significant correlation (p < 0.001) was noticed between Fhit protein absence or reduction and clinically advanced tumors. Conversely, abnormal Fhit protein expression was not associated with age, histological grade, tumor size, number of recurrences, and clinical outcome in terms of patients' survival.


CONCLUSIONS
These results confirm that FHIT gene inactivation is a late event in urinary bladder carcinogenesis. Fhit protein reduced expression or complete absence correlates with advanced clinical stage of the disease, and does not seem to correlate with tumor recurrences and patient survival.
Skopelitou
A S
AS
Department of Pathology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece. antiskop@usa.net
Gloustianou
G
G
Bai
M
M
Huebner
K
K
D017766:Acid Anhydride Hydrolases; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000099170:Bis(5'-adenosyl)triphosphatase
D017766:Acid Anhydride Hydrolases; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D000099170:Bis(5'-adenosyl)triphosphatase