title: CDX2 hox gene product in a rat model of esophageal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Barrett's mucosa is the precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The molecular mechanisms behind Barrett's carcinogenesis are largely unknown. Experimental models of longstanding esophageal reflux of duodenal-gastric contents may provide important information on the biological sequence of the Barrett's oncogenesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The expression of CDX2 hox-gene product was assessed in a rat model of Barrett's carcinogenesis. Seventy-four rats underwent esophago-jejunostomy with gastric preservation. Excluding perisurgical deaths, the animals were sacrificed at various times after the surgical treatment (Group A: <10 weeks; Group B: 10-30 weeks; Group C: >30 weeks).
  
  
  RESULTS
  No Cdx2 expression was detected in either squamous epithelia of the proximal esophagus or squamous cell carcinomas. De novo Cdx2 expression was consistently documented in the proliferative zone of the squamous epithelium close to reflux ulcers (Group A: 68%; Group B: 64%; Group C: 80%), multilayered epithelium and intestinal metaplasia (Group A: 9%; Group B: 41%; Group C: 60%), and esophageal adenocarcinomas (Group B: 36%; Group C: 35%). A trend for increasing overall Cdx2 expression was documented during the course of the experiment (p = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  De novo expression of Cdx2 is an early event in the spectrum of the lesions induced by experimental gastro-esophageal reflux and should be considered as a key step in the morphogenesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
authors: Department of Medical Diagnostic Sciences & Special Therapies, Pathology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. pepino@uniba.it
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Ingravallo
authors: Luigi
authors: L
authors: Dall'Olmo
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Segat
authors: Matteo
authors: M
authors: Fassan
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Mescoli
authors: Emanuela
authors: E
authors: Dazzo
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Castoro
authors: Lorenzo
authors: L
authors: Polimeno
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Rizzetto
authors: Maurizio David
authors: MD
authors: Baroni
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Zaninotto
authors: Ermanno
authors: E
authors: Ancona
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Rugge
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000473:pathology; D000071616:CDX2 Transcription Factor; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000473:pathology; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000071616:CDX2 Transcription Factor; C541055:Cdx2 protein, rat; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors