Circulating hTERT mRNA as a tumor marker in cholangiocarcinoma patients.

Abstract

AIM:

To investigate human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA in the serum of cholangiocarcinoma patients.

METHODS:

The serum of thirty three cholangiocarcinoma patients, forty one benign biliary tract disease patients and ten healthy volunteers were collected and analyzed for the expression of hTERT mRNA by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We then examined the correlation between values of serum hTERT mRNA and the pathological staging of cholangiocarcinoma.

RESULTS:

hTERT mRNA was detected in 28 of 33 (84.85%) of serum obtained from cholangiocarcinoma patients and 9 of 41 (21.9%) of serum obtained from benign biliary tract disease patients. hTERT mRNA was not detected in any serum obtained from healthy volunteers. on the other hand the common tumor marker, CA19-9 was detected in 20 of 33 (60.6%) of serum obtained from cholangiocarcinoma patients and 8 of 41 (19.5%) of serum obtained from benign biliary tract disease patients. However, no correlation was found between the present of serum hTERT mRNA and tumor staging.

CONCLUSION:

These results indicate that the detection of circulating hTERT mRNA was identified in almost all cholangiocarcinoma patients. It offers a novel tumor marker, which can be used as a complementary study for diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.

• Authors: Kawin Leelawat, Surang Leelawat, Thawee Ratanachu-Ek, Somboon Trubwongchareon, Jerasak Wannaprasert, Saad Tripongkaruna, Suchart Chantawibul, Panadda Tepaksorn
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 12 Issue 26 Pg. 4195-8 (Jul 14 2006) ISSN: 1007-9327 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16830373 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• DNA-Binding Proteins
• RNA, Messenger
• Telomerase

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bile Duct Neoplasms (blood, diagnosis, pathology)
• Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic
• Biomarkers, Tumor (blood)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cholangiocarcinoma (blood, diagnosis, pathology)
• DNA-Binding Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging
• RNA, Messenger (blood)
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Telomerase (genetics, metabolism)