[Immunohistochemical detection and clinical significance of beta-catenin expression in human esophageal cancers].
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the expression level of beta-catenin correlates with the invasion and metastasis of human esophageal cancers.


METHODS
Using immunohistochemical staining technique, we investigated the expression of beta-catenin in different tissues from the specimens of the primary tumor and the nearby non-tumorous esophageal mucosa.


RESULTS
Strong expression of beta-catenin in the nearby non-tumorous esophageal mucosa was observed. However, in the primary esophageal cancers, the expression of beta-catenin was frequently reduced and disorderly distributed. The level of beta-catenin expression was closely related with the growth pattern, cellular differentiation, depth of invasion, and lymphatic metastasis.


CONCLUSIONS
The down-regulation of beta-catenin expression might be a predictor indicating the metastatic potential of esophageal cancers.
Department of Pathology, Chengdu Railway Central Hospital, Chengdu 610081,China.
Li
L
Liu
Feng-jing
FJ
Wang
Du-li
DL
Liu
Ci
C
Li
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D051176:beta Catenin
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051176:beta Catenin