Telomerase Activity in Gastric Adenocarcinomas: Frozen Tissues Versus Methacarn-fixed Paraffin-embedded Tissues.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Telomerase is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase that synthesizes TTAGGG telomeric DNA onto chromosome ends to compensate for sequence loss during DNA replication. It has been detected in 85~90% of all primary human cancers, implicating that its apparent reactivation in tumors may play a role in the tumorigenic process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate telomerase activity in stomach cancer, and to determine whether methacarn-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues can replace frozen tissue sections for the telomerase (TRAP) assay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Frozen and corresponding methacarn-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples were obtained from 51 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and analyzed for telomerase activity by using a TRAPeze ELISA kit.

RESULTS:

Telomerase activity was detected in 37 (73%) frozen samples, and in 13 (25%) methacarn-fixed paraffin blocks. Telomerase activity was well correlated with depth of invasion (p=.037) and tumor differentiation (p=.022).

CONCLUSION:

These data suggest that reactivated telomerase may play a significant role in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer and may reflect the malignant potential of the tumor. It is noteworthy that methacarn- fixed tissue cannot as yet substitute for the frozen tissue in the TRAP assay.

• Authors: Jinyoung Yoo, Seok Jin Kang, Chang Suk Kang
• Journal: Cancer research and treatment (Cancer Res Treat) Vol. 35 Issue 6 Pg. 478-82 (Dec 2003) ISSN: 1598-2998 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 26680978 (Publication Type: Journal Article)