[The correlation of TGF-alpha, EGFR in precancerous lesions and carcinoma of stomach with PCNA expression].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the changes and possible role of expression of TGF-alpha and EGFR in gastric carcinogenesis and its relationship with PCNA labelling index (PCNA LI).

METHODS

Immunohistochemical study using LSAB kit.

RESULTS

(1) The expression of TGF-alpha was increased in normal mucosa and metaplastic tissue near the carcinoma when compared with non-cancer controls (P < 0.01). (2) Increased expression of EGFR was found in the intestinal metaplastic and dysplastic areas compared with nomral mucosa and carcinoma tissue (P < 0.01). (3) Coexpression rate of TGF-alpha and EGFR was higher in dysplasia than in other tissues (P < 0.01). (4) There was a close correlation between the intensities of TGF-alpha, EGFR and PCNA. (5) The expression of TGF-alpha, EGFR and PCNA was not related to infiltration and lymph node metastasis of gastric carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The increased expression of EGFR, TGF-alpha may serve as an important molecular marker of gastric premalignant lesions when combined with measurement of PCNA LI and may be of assistance in screening of early gastric carcinoma in high risk populations.