Detection of mRNAs of GA733 genes by RT-PCR in exfoliated cells of pleural and peritoneal effusions and its clinical values.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic values of the detection of mRNAs of GA733 gene family in exfoliated cells of pleural and peritoneal effusions.

METHODS

Sixty specimens of pleural and peritoneal fluids from 60 patients were collected. GA733-1 and GA733-2 mRNA in the exfoliated cells were detected by qualitative RT-PCR, and their diagnostic values were assessed. Patients Sixty patients with pleural or peritoneal effusions, from May 2003 and August 2004, aged 23-85 (average 56.5 years).

RESULTS

GA733-1 and GA733-2 mRNA were positive in 5 (13.9%) and 27 (75.0%) of 36 malignant specimens, and in 1 and 7 of 11 cause-unknown specimens, respectively, but both of them were negative in all 13 benign specimens, and the difference of GA733-2 mRNA positive rates among the three groups was significant (P<0.005), but that of GA733-1 mRNA was not (P>0.05). GA733-1 and GA733-2 mRNA were positive in 4 (15.4%) and 22 (84.6%) of 26 cytological positive specimens, and in 1 and 6 of 6 suspicious specimens, and in 1 (3.5%) and 6 (21.4%) of 28 negative specimens, respectively and the difference of GA733-2 mRNA positive rates among the three groups was significant (P<0.005), but that of GA733-1 mRNA was not (P>0.05). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of detection for GA733-2 mRNA for diagnosis of malignant effusions were 75.0%, 100% and 81.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of GA733-2 mRNA by qualitative RT-PCR is sensitive and highly specific for the diagnosis of malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions, while the diagnostic value of GA733-1 mRNA needs to be further investigated.