Published online Feb 15, 2000. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v6.i1.66
Revised: September 2, 1999
Accepted: September 18, 1999
Published online: February 15, 2000
AIM: To investigate the significance and mechanism of cx-32 mRNA, cx-43 mRNA and their proteins in hepatocarcinogenesis.
METHODS: Sixty-one cases of HCC and 14 cases of normal liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods.
RESULTS: In HCC grades I, II, III and normal liver tissues, the positive rates of Cx32 protein were 55.6%, 42.1%, 18.2% and 92.9%, respectively. The detection rates of Cx43 protein were 44%, 26.3%, 12.1% and 78.6%, respectively. There was significant difference in Cx32 and Cx43 protein between HCC and normal liver tissues (P < 0.01). ISH the positive rates of cx 32 mRNA shown by ISH in HCC grades I, II, III and normal liver tissues were 88.9%, 84.2%, 87.9% and 92.9%, respectively. Those of cx43 mRNA were 77.8%, 78.6%, 78. 8% and 85.7%, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the positive rates of cx32 mRNA and cx43 mRNA between HCC and normal liver tissue (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The aberrant location of Cx32 and Cx43 proteins could be responsible for progression of hepatocarcinogenesis, and the defect of cx genes in post-translational processing might be the possible mechanism.