[Expressions of epithelial growth factor receptor and E-cadherin in esophageal carcinoma and their correlation].
OBJECTIVE
Up-regulation of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and down-regulation of E-cadherin are correlated with genesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis of tumor; however,their expressions,especially their association,in esophageal carcinoma have seldom been reported. This study was to detect expressions of EGFR and E-cadherin in esophageal carcinoma, and to analyze their relationship.


METHODS
Expressions of EGFR and E-cadherin in 50 specimens of esophageal squamous carcinoma and 8 specimens of esophageal adenocarcinoma were detected by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Positive rates of EGFR, and E-cadherin in esophageal squamous carcinoma were 72.0% (36/50), and 22.0% (11/50); while those in esophageal adenocarcinoma were 75.0% (6/8), and 25% (2/8). Positive rates of EGFR in esophageal squamous carcinoma of grades I, II, and III were 63.6%, 75.0%, and 81.3%, respectively. The expression of EGFR negatively correlated with that of E-cadherin (r=-0.341, P=0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of EGFR in esophageal carcinoma is increased, while that of E-cadherin is decreased;down-regulation of E-cadherin may be associated with up-regulation of EGFR.
Fu
Jian-Hua
JH
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, P. R. China. fujianhua1968@yahoo.com.cn
Yang
Da-Kuan
DK
Huang
Yun-Chao
YC
Hu
Guo-Qiang
GQ
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000378:metabolism; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation
D015820:Cadherins; D066246:ErbB Receptors