Relationship between Egr-1 gene expression and apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma and precancerous lesions.

Abstract

AIM:

To study the expression of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1 gene) and Bcl-X/(L) protein and its relationship with the cell apoptosis in human esophageal carcinoma (EC) and precancerous lesions.

METHODS:

In situ hybridization(ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TUNEL method were used respectively to detect Egr-1mRNA, Egr-1 protein, apoptosis related-protein Bcl-X/(L) and cell apoptosis in situ from 66 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their upper cut edge and paracancerous mucosa.

RESULTS:

Egr-1 gene in situ hybridization, Bcl-X/(L) immunohistochemistry positive products were located in the cytoplasm, while Egr-1 immunohistochemistry and TUNEL positive signal were located in the nuclei. The apoptosis index(AI) and the frequency of apoptosis occurrence were increased gradually from precancerous lesion to cancer (P<0.01) and the expression of Egr-1mRNA and Egr-1 protein in dysplasia was the highest among all specimens (P<0.01). The AI of Egr-1 positive cancer tissues was much higher than that of Egr-1 negative cancer tissues (P<0.01), while the AI of Bcl-X/(L) positive cancer tissues was much lower than that of Bcl-X/(L) negative cancer tissues (P<0.01). The AI and Egr-1 expression were not correlated with invasiveness and lymphatic metastasis in EC.

CONCLUSION:

Cell apoptosis was present through esophageal carcinogenesis. The expression of Egr-1 mRNA and Egr-1 protein were high in precancerous lesion of esophagus. The AI was increased significantly in Egr-1 positive squamous cell carcinoma. Egr-1 might promote apoptotic effect. Egr-1 expression and cell apoptosis may have an important biological significance in esophageal carcinogenesis.

• Authors: Ming-Yao Wu, Ying-Rui Liang, Xian-Ying Wu, Chu-Xiang Zhuang
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 8 Issue 6 Pg. 971-5 (Dec 2002) ISSN: 1007-9327 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12439908 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• BCL2L1 protein, human
• DNA-Binding Proteins
• EGR1 protein, human
• Early Growth Response Protein 1
• Immediate-Early Proteins
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
• RNA, Messenger
• RNA, Neoplasm
• Transcription Factors
• bcl-X Protein

Topics

• Apoptosis (genetics)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (genetics, metabolism, pathology)
• DNA-Binding Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Early Growth Response Protein 1
• Esophageal Neoplasms (genetics, metabolism, pathology)
• Gene Expression
• Humans
• Immediate-Early Proteins
• Immunohistochemistry
• In Situ Hybridization
• In Situ Nick-End Labeling
• Precancerous Conditions (genetics, metabolism, pathology)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 (metabolism)
• RNA, Messenger (genetics, metabolism)
• RNA, Neoplasm (genetics, metabolism)
• Transcription Factors (genetics, metabolism)
• bcl-X Protein