Prognostic significance of maspin expression in human gastric adenocarcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Maspin is a member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors known to have tumor suppressor activity. However, molecular aspects in carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer remain largely unclear. Previously we reported for the first time that maspin is induced in the course of gastric carcinogenesis. In the present study we evaluated maspin induction in gastric adenocarcinoma in relation to a number of clinicopathologic feature.


METHODS
Maspin expression was examined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining in 82 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma.


RESULTS
In Western blot analysis, gastric specimens of tumor showed increased maspin expression compared with corresponding normal tissues in 54 of 82 patients (66%). Tumor shows increased maspin expression compared with normal tissue in 81.1% of stage IV patients and 83.3% of N3 patients. The frequency of maspin induction was associated with the stage of gastric cancer (p = 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.03). There was no significant association between maspin induction and Helicobacter pylori infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that maspin may have an important role in the progression and metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Song
Sang Yong
SY
Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Son
Hee Jung
HJ
Kim
Min Hyung
MH
Nam
Eun Sook
ES
Rhee
Jong Chul
JC
Park
Chaehwa
C
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D015843:Serpins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015854:Up-Regulation
C085344:SERPIN-B5; D015843:Serpins