[Expression and detection of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, fibronectin and its fragment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between the expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, fibronectin (FN) and its fragment (malignant disease-associated DNA-binding protein 2 MAD2) and the biologic behavior of human hepatocellular carcinoma HCC) as well as the significance of MAD2 detection in plasma.

METHODS

Integrin alpha 5 beta 1, FN and MAD2 were localized by immunohistochemical methods and quantified by image analysis in tumor and peripheral liver tissues from 40 HCC cases. The concentration of FN and MAD2 in the plasma samples from 30/40 cases were examined using the ELISA method.

RESULTS

The expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, FN and MAD2 in well differentiated HCC were not significantly different from that of normal tissues, while they were markedly decreased or undetectable in mode rately and poorly differentiated HCC. Decreased expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1 and FN at sites where HCC invaded the connective tissue and enhanced expression on the HCC cells around cancerous emboli were also noted. The mean concentration of plasma MAD2 in patients with HCC were significantly increased when compared to those with chronic liver disease and normal subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in integrin alpha 5 beta 1 and FN expression may be associated with HCC differentiation, invasion and metastasis. The detection of plasma MAD2 in patients with HCC may have clinical significance.