Are gap junction gene connexins 26, 32 and 43 of prognostic values in hepatocellular carcinoma? A prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prognostic value of the expression of connexin (Cx) 26, 32 and 43 messenger RNA (mRNA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues.


METHODS
Using a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Cx 26, Cx 32 and Cx 43 mRNAs were determined in the liver tissues of 15 controls and in HCC tissues of 25 patients undergoing curative hepatic resection. The patients were followed up clinically.


RESULTS
Cx 26 and Cx 32 mRNAs were significantly lower in HCC tissues compared with controls (both P<0.01). By multivariate analysis, a lower level of Cx 26 and Cx 32 mRNA correlated significantly with a risk of HCC recurrence (P = 0.033) and recurrence-related mortality (P = 0.031, P = 0.031). Cx 43 mRNA was higher in HCC tissues compared with controls but did not correlate with postoperative recurrence or recurrence-related mortality. Other significant predictors of HCC recurrence included cellular dedifferentiation (P = 0.033), less encapsulation (P = 0.050), vascular permeation (P = 0.046), and daughter nodules (P = 0.046). Significant variables related to recurrence-related mortality consisted of cell dedifferentiation (P = 0.031), vascular permeation (P = 0.048), and daughter nodules (P = 0.048). The levels of Cx 26 and Cx 32 mRNAs correlated significantly with cell differentiation (P = 0.031).


CONCLUSIONS
A low expression of Cx 26 and Cx 32 mRNAs in HCC tissues is predictive of postoperative recurrence of HCCs.
Sheen
I-Shyan
IS
Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, No.92, Sec 2,Chung-San North Road, Taipei, Taiwan, China. issheen.jks@msa.hinet.net
Jeng
Kuo-Shyang
KS
Wang
Po-Chuan
PC
Shih
Shou-Chuan
SC
Chang
Wen-Hsing
WH
Wang
Horng-Yuan
HY
Chen
Chung-Chu
CC
Shyung
Li-Rung
LR
D001483:Base Sequence; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000072259:Connexin 26; D017630:Connexins / Q000235:genetics*; D017931:DNA Primers; D005260:Female; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D000097002:Gap Junction beta-1 Protein
D000072259:Connexin 26; D017630:Connexins; D017931:DNA Primers; D000097002:Gap Junction beta-1 Protein; C081624:connexin 42