Expression of lung-resistance protein gene is not associated with platinum drug exposure in lung cancer.

BACKGROUND

Platinum drug resistance is an important problem in lung cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we examined lung-resistance protein (LRP) gene expression in vivo and in vitro in relation to platinum drug exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression levels of the LRP gene were assessed by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, in 80 autopsy samples (40 lung tumors and 40 corresponding normal lung tissues), two lung cancer cell lines and in peripheral mononuclear cells collected from 8 lung cancer patients before and after platinum drug administration.

RESULTS

The LRP gene expression levels of autopsy specimens exposed antemortem to platinum drugs were not significantly different to those of specimens without platinum drug exposure, for both lung tumors and normal lung tissues. Our results also demonstrate that LRP gene expression was not induced by platinum drugs either in vitro or in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results indicate that LRP gene expression is not associated with platinum drug exposure in lung cancer.