E-cadherin expression in early gastric carcinoma and correlation with lymph node metastasis.
OBJECTIVE
Abnormal expression of E-cadherin plays an important role in the differentiation and progression of gastric carcinoma. However, the relationship between molecular changes in E-cadherin and metastasis in early gastric carcinoma (EGC) is poorly understood.


METHODS
Sixty cases of EGC with or without lymph node metastasis (30 node-positive cases and 30 node-negative cases) were investigated to evaluate hypermethylation status using bisulfate-MSP and immunohistochemistry using antibody against E-cadherin.


RESULTS
Twenty-seven (45.0%) of 60 primary EGCs exhibited methylation in the CpG island of E-cadherin. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was significantly correlated with patient age, tumor size, Lauren classification, differentiation, and lymph node metastasis. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, two factors were independent, statistically significant parameters associated with lymph node metastasis: abnormal expression of E-cadherin (risk ratio, 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.917-7.457; P < 0.05) and lymphatic invasion (risk ratio, 8.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.612-40.766; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that methylation of E-cadherin is a frequent, early event in gastric carcinoma progression, and is correlated significantly with downregulated E-cadherin expression. Inactivation of E-cadherin might be involved in metastasis in EGC and play an important role in microscopic differentiation.
Yi Kim
Dong
D
Division of Gastroenterologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Dongku, Gwangju, Korea.
Kyoon Joo
Jae
J
Kyu Park
Young
Y
Yeob Ryu
Seong
S
Soo Kim
Hyun
H
Kyun Noh
Bok
B
Hwa Lee
Kyung
K
Hyuk Lee
Jae
J
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D016015:Logistic Models; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology