Association between positive murine double minute 2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a meta‐analysis

The correlations of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) T309G and esophageal cancer were elucidated because the association between MDM2 expression states and clinicopathological parameters of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis on studies screened from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Databases that were published before October 2014. All studies describing the association between MDM2 and ESCC were traced. Meta‐analysis was performed using the STATA software (Stata Corp., College Station, TX, USA). A total of 9 studies with 707 cases and 324 controls were included. MDM2 expression was higher in ESCC than in normal esophageal epithelium (odds ratio [OR] 10.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.42–16.78, P < 0.001). High MDM2 expression was associated with early primary tumor stage (T1/T2 vs. T3/T4, OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38–0.92, P = 0.018) and increased risk of regional lymph node metastasis (N0 vs. N1, OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.03–2.67, P = 0.039). However, no relationship was observed between MDM2 expression and the risk of distant metastasis (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.00–4.36, P = 0.050), and MDM2 was not significantly correlated with TP53 expression (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.53–2.77, P = 0.643). Our analysis suggests that MDM2 acts as a potent marker of early primary tumor stage but higher risk of regional lymph node metastasis in ESCC. However, because of the limited number of studies included, the result should be further clarified by well‐designed prospective studies.     

Association of mu‐opioid receptor expression with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The mu‐opioid receptor (MOR), a membrane‐bound G protein‐coupled receptor, is the main target for opioids in the nervous system. MOR1 has been found in several types of cancer cells and reported to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the expression and clinical significance of MOR1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. In our study, the expression of MOR1 was confirmed in ESCC cell lines (KYSE180, KYSE150, and EC109) by Western blot. MOR1 was also detected on tissue microarrays of ESCC samples in 239 cases using immunohistochemical staining. We found that MOR1 was mainly located in the cytoplasm and occasionally occurred in the membrane or nucleus of ESCC cells. Moreover, results indicated that MOR1 expression in the cytoplasm was associated with lymph node metastasis (R = 0.164, P = 0.008, Kendall's tau‐b‐test). No more associations were found between MOR1 expression status and other clinical parameters. However, no statistical significant differences were found between MOR1 expression in the cytoplasm, nucleus/membrane, and the overall survival of ESCC patients (P = 0.848; P = 0.167; P = 0.428, respectively, log‐rank test). Our results suggest that the cytoplasmic MOR1 may be a high‐risk factor for lymph node metastasis of ESCC patients. We also hypothesize that MOR1 agonists used in ESCC patients should be prudent, and opioid receptor antagonists may be novel therapeutic drugs for ESCC patients.     

Common single nucleotide polymorphism of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and its impact on the clinicopathological features of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: Angiogenesis is one of the most important molecular events in solid tumor development and growth, in which hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α is a key regulator and plays an important role. Studies have shown that a single nucleotide polymorphism (C1772T) in the HIF‐1α gene exerts a large effect on the phenotype of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. But the impact of the C1772T polymorphism on the clinicopathological features of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown, and thus it is the main focus of our study. METHODS: The C1772T genotype of 95 ESCC patients and 104 healthy controls were studied by using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Mutations were confirmed by direct DNA sequencing. The impact of C1772T on tumor size, invasive depth, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, histological grade and TNM stage was also studied. RESULTS: The genotype frequency observed in the patients and controls was 11.58% versus 10.58%, respectively, for genotype C/T (P > 0.05). Genotype T/T was not found in our study. Larger tumors and a higher rate of lymph node metastasis was found for the C/T group. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no significant difference of genotype distribution between ESCC patients and healthy controls, genotype C/T is associated with larger tumor and higher rate of lymph node metastasis.     

Overexpression of Yes‐associated protein and its association with clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis

Background

Yes‐associated protein (YAP) overexpression is reported to be associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but current studies have not explored the relationship between YAP expression with HCC clinicopathological features.

Methods

To assess these associations, a meta‐analysis was performed which included four eligible studies including 391 HCC cases and 334 controls. There were eight eligible studies to investigate the association between YAP expression in HCC and clinicopathological features of liver cancer patients. Literature was obtained from PubMed, Embase, Wangfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure.

Results

Analysis indicated that YAP expression in HCC was greater than in adjacent non‐tumour tissue (odds ratio [OR], 15.80, 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.53‐23.70, P<.00001; heterogeneity=.30). YAP overexpression in HCC was significantly associated with vascular invasion (OR, 2.21, 95% CI, 11.64‐2.97, P<.00001, heterogeneity=.10), less cellular differentiation (OR, 2.38, 95% CI, 1.61‐3.51, P<.00001, heterogeneity=.333), tumours larger than 5 cm (OR, 2.52, 95% CI, 1.75‐3.62, P<.00001; heterogeneity=.17) and TNM tumour stage I + II (OR, 0.44, 95% CI, 0.28‐0.75, P=.00003, heterogeneity=.12).

Conclusions

Overexpression of YAP contributes to HCC formation, and its overexpression is associated with vascular invasion, low cellular differentiation tumours larger than 5 cm and TNM tumour stage III + IV.     

Meta‐analysis: non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The relationship between non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has remained unclear. To evaluate the relationship between NSAID use and risk of ESCC, we searched the MEDLINE, Biosis, Web of Science and ISI proceedings databases up to September 2010, together with a manual search of reference lists of relevant articles. Studies evaluating the association between exposure to NSAIDs and risk of ESCC were included. The analyses used random‐effect or fixed‐effect model based on homogeneity analysis. Seven studies (six case‐control studies and one nested case‐control study) were included in this meta‐analysis. NSAID use was associated with a reduced risk of ESCC (odds ratio = 0.58, 95% confidence interval = 0.47 to 0.72). Specific analysis for aspirin and non‐aspirin NSAIDs yielded similar results. There was a protective association between NSAIDs and ESCC. This finding warrants more prospective studies evaluating the relationship between NSAIDs and ESCC.     

肌动蛋白凝胶蛋白在食管鳞癌中的表达及其与临床病理因素的关系

目的探讨肌动蛋白凝胶蛋白(Transgelin)在食管鳞癌组织中的表达及其与临床病理因素间的关系。方法采用免疫组化法检测Transgelin在食管鳞癌组织、癌旁不典型增生组织及正常食管黏膜组织中的表达,并分析Transgelin的表达与患者临床病理因素特征的关系及其对预后的影响。结果Transgelin在食管鳞癌中的阳性率明显高于癌旁不典型增生组和正常食管黏膜组织,其差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Transgelin在食管癌中的表达与患者的的TNM分期(P<0.05)、淋巴结转移(P<0.05)、远处转移(P<0.05)有关;与患者的性别、年龄、肿瘤直径无关(P>0.05)。在随访的210例患者中,Transgelin的生存曲线显示,高表达组Transgelin的5年生存率明显低于低表达组(P<0.05)。单因素生存分析显示,Transgelin的表达水平、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移与食管鳞癌患者术后生存时间相关。同时,多因素Cox比例风险回归模型分析显示,Transgelin的表达水平、TNM分期、淋巴结转移和远处转移为食管鳞癌患者预后的独立危险因素。结论Transgelin在食管鳞癌组织中呈高表达,其表达与食管鳞癌的发生发展和侵袭转移相关,Transgelin对于术后食管鳞癌患者的预后评估具有参考价值。     

食管鳞状上皮细胞癌中IL-8 mRNA水平的检测及其与CD105血管距离的关系

目的　检测 30例食管鳞状上皮细胞癌中IL -8和其它血管生成相关的化学因子的mRNA水平 ,对食管鳞癌新生血管进行定量分析 ,并分析IL -8与CD10 5血管平均距离的相关关系。方法　采用多探针RNA酶保护性分析检测IL -8和其它血管生成相关的化学因子的mRNA水平 ,免疫组织化学方法 (CD10 5)和Image -pro -plus软件进行新生血管的定量分析。结果　IL -8、IP -10和MIP -1α、βmRNA水平在食管癌组织中显著升高 ,Rantes、MCP -1无明显变化 ;在食管鳞癌CD10 5低血管密度病人 ,IL -8mRNA与CD10 5血管平均距离具有较好的相关性 (r=0 .6 2 ,P <0 0 5 ) ,在CD10 5高血管密度病人中无相关性 (r =0 .12 ,P >0 0 5 )。结论　IL -8在食管鳞癌血管生成过程中起重要作用。IL -8的促血管生成作用可能发生在食管鳞癌血管生成的早期阶段。MIP -1α、β和IP -10可能是食管癌血管生成过程中抑制肿瘤血管生成的重要调节因子。     

Higher expression of SIRT1 induced resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells to cisplatin

Background

High expression of Sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1) exists in some cancer cells. However, it is still unclear whether SIRT1 affects the sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to cisplatin. This study was designed to explore the relationship between SIRT1 expression and resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells to cisplatin and reveal the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The tissue samples of 68 ESCC patients were collected from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, China. All the patients had undergone cisplatin based combination chemotherapy. The expression of SIRT1and Noxa in tissue samples were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Human ESCC cell line (ECa9706 cells) was cultured and a cisplatin-resistant subline (ECa9706-CisR cells) was established by continuous exposure to cisplatin at different concentrations. The expression of SIRT1 and Noxa in both cell lines was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. siRNA technology was utilized to down-regulate the SIRT1 expression in ECa9706-CisR cells. The influence of SIRT1 silence on sensitivity of ECa9706-CisR cells to cisplatin was confirmed using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the level change of Noxa after SIRT1 silence in ECa9706-CisR cells was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Result

SIRT1 and Noxa expression in chemo-resistant patients was significantly increased and decreased respectively, compared with chemo-sensitive patients. SIRT1 expression in ECa9706-CisR cells was significantly increased with a lower Noxa level, compared with normal ECa9706 cells. Cisplatin 5 µM could cause proliferation inhibition, G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in ECa9706-CisR cells and these effects could be enhanced dramatically by SIRT1 silencing. Moreover, Noxa expression was increased after treated with SIRT1 siRNA.

Conclusions

Over-expression of SIRT1 may cause resistance of ESCC cells to cisplatin through the mechanism involved with Noxa expression.     

The role of mitochondrial folate enzyme MTHFD1L in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: The lack of novel therapeutic targets poses the major challenge to prolong survival and improve the quality of life for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1-like (MTHFD1L) plays critical roles in folate cycle maintenance. However, little information is available concerning the role of MTHFD1L in cancer cells, and no studies have addressed such issues in esophageal cancer.

Materials and method: Surgical cancer and adjacent normal esophageal tissues were obtained from patients with esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy for ESCC. Western blot, immunohistochemistry and Quantitative RT-PCR were performed to evaluate protein and RNA expression levels of MTHFD1L. Knockdown of MTHFD1L expression was achieved by using short hairpin RNA. The effects of MTHFD1L silencing on ESCC cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by the MTT assay, Celigo assays, Annexin V FACS assay and Caspase-3/7 array in vitro.

Results: Twenty-three paired cancer and adjacent normal esophageal tissues from patients with ESCC were included in this study. MTHFD1L protein and RNA expression levels were significantly upregulated in ESCC tissue as compared with normal tissue. High expression of MTHFD1 was also detected in two esophageal cancer cell lines (TE-1 and EC109). Knockdown of MTHFD1L expression inhibited the proliferation of TE-1 cells, and the apoptosis was distinctly increased following shMTHFD1L infection.

Conclusions: Our preliminary study highlighted for the first time that MTHFD1L might be involved in the development of ESCC, which may provide a new potential tumor-specific therapeutic targeting for anti-folate agents.     

Role of podoplanin expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study

Lymphatic metastasis is the predominant cause of the low overall survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as there are no faithful methods available predicting early metastasis. Recent studies suggest an effect of podoplanin expression on metastatic spreading to lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of podoplanin expression on lymphatic metastasis and tumor cells, and to find the relationship between podoplanin expression and prognosis of patients with ESCC. We evaluated the level of podoplanin expression on tumor cells and the lymphatic vessel density change of tumor mass compared with normal tissue from the same patient through D2-40 immunohistochemistry staining, and analyzed associations between these two variables and various clinicopathologic parameters individually or conjunctively. There was an association between podoplanin expression and the frequency of lymph node metastases. In 45 patients (80%), podoplanin was expressed on the tumor cells. Twenty-one patients (37.5%) showed high levels of expression. The 5-year disease-free survival rate (5%) for patients with high levels of podoplanin expression was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than for patients with low and moderate expression of podoplanin (54% and 27%, respectively). We concluded that podoplanin is expressed frequently in ESCC, and that the expression of podoplanin on cancer cells, lymphatics, or both is correlated with lymphatic metastasis and clinical outcome.     

食管鳞癌中微小核糖核酸let-7的表达及病理生物学意义

Objective To estimate the effect of microRNA (miRNA) let-7 expression on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) and the relationship between let-7 level and clinicopathological parameters. Methods ESCC cell line (Eca109) was transfected with let-7 or its inhibitor by RNAi and cell transfection techniques. Normal cultured Eca109 cell was served as negative control. The proliferation of Eca109 cell was detected by MTT. The expression of let-7 in Eca109 cells and 45 paired ESCC tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between let-7 level and clinicopathological parameters in patients with ESCC was analyzed. Results The A value of let-7 in Eca109 cells transfected with let-7 was lower than negative control (P=0.005), while it was higher in Eca109 cells transfected inhibitor than that in negative control 72 hours after transfection. In comparison with negative control, the expression of let-7 in Eca109 cells transfected with let-7 was increased 33% (1.33 vs 1.00,P=0. 039) and it was decreased 50% in Eca109 cells transfected with inhibitor (0.50 vs 1.00,P=0. 014). The ratio of let-7 expression in ESCC tissue and para-cancerous tissue was 0.66 ± 0.47 with significant differece (P= 0.001). Moreover, The level of let-7 expression in Han patients with ESCC was lower than Kazakh patients with ESCC (0.48±0.43 vs 0. 88±0.51,P=0. 019). The level of let-7 expression in poorly differentiated ESCC tissue was lower than well differentiated ESCC tissue (0.42±0.30 vs 0.84±0.38,P=0. 015). The level of let-7 expression in patients with lymph node metastasis was lower than those without lymph node metastasis (0.50±0.35vs 0. 80±0.52,P=0. 032) . Conclusion It is demonstrated that let-7 can inhibit the carcinogenesis and development of ESCC. The level of let-7 expression is associated with cell differentiation,lymph node metastasis and nationalities.     

食管鳞癌中微小核糖核酸let-7的表达及病理生物学意义

Objective To estimate the effect of microRNA (miRNA) let-7 expression on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) and the relationship between let-7 level and clinicopathological parameters. Methods ESCC cell line (Eca109) was transfected with let-7 or its inhibitor by RNAi and cell transfection techniques. Normal cultured Eca109 cell was served as negative control. The proliferation of Eca109 cell was detected by MTT. The expression of let-7 in Eca109 cells and 45 paired ESCC tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between let-7 level and clinicopathological parameters in patients with ESCC was analyzed. Results The A value of let-7 in Eca109 cells transfected with let-7 was lower than negative control (P=0.005), while it was higher in Eca109 cells transfected inhibitor than that in negative control 72 hours after transfection. In comparison with negative control, the expression of let-7 in Eca109 cells transfected with let-7 was increased 33% (1.33 vs 1.00,P=0. 039) and it was decreased 50% in Eca109 cells transfected with inhibitor (0.50 vs 1.00,P=0. 014). The ratio of let-7 expression in ESCC tissue and para-cancerous tissue was 0.66 ± 0.47 with significant differece (P= 0.001). Moreover, The level of let-7 expression in Han patients with ESCC was lower than Kazakh patients with ESCC (0.48±0.43 vs 0. 88±0.51,P=0. 019). The level of let-7 expression in poorly differentiated ESCC tissue was lower than well differentiated ESCC tissue (0.42±0.30 vs 0.84±0.38,P=0. 015). The level of let-7 expression in patients with lymph node metastasis was lower than those without lymph node metastasis (0.50±0.35vs 0. 80±0.52,P=0. 032) . Conclusion It is demonstrated that let-7 can inhibit the carcinogenesis and development of ESCC. The level of let-7 expression is associated with cell differentiation,lymph node metastasis and nationalities.     

食管鳞癌中微小核糖核酸let-7的表达及病理生物学意义

目的 探讨微小RNA(miRNA)1et-7对食管鳞癌细胞增殖的影响及食管鳞癌组织中let-7表达水平与临床病理特征间的关系.方法 利用RNA干扰(RNAi)和细胞转染技术将食管鳞癌细胞Eca109分别转染入let-7、let-7抑制剂及随机序列.以正常培养的Eca109细胞为阴性对照组.噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法检测各组Eca109细胞的增殖情况.实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRTPCR)检测各组细胞、45例食管鳞癌组织及其癌旁组织中let-7的表达水平,并分析其与食管鳞癌临床病理特征间的关系.结果 转染后72 h,转染let-7组吸光度(A)值较阴性对照组明显降低(P=0.005),转染let-7抑制剂组A值较阴性对照组明显升高(P=0.029).与阴性对照组let-7表达量比较,转染let-7组表达增加33%(1.33比1.00,P=0.039),转染let-7抑制剂组表达降低50%(0.50比1.00,P=0.014).食管鳞癌组织和癌旁组织中let-7相对表达量的比值为0.66±0.47,差异有统计学意义(P=0.001).汉族患者食管鳞癌组织中let-7相对表达量(0.48±0.43)低于哈萨克族(0.88±0.51,P=0.019).低分化食管鳞癌组织中let-7相对表达量(0.42±0.30)低于高分化食管鳞癌组织(0.84±0.38,P=0.015).有淋巴结转移者食管鳞癌组织中let-7相对表达量(0.50±0.35)低于无淋巴结转移者(0.80±0.52,P=0.032).结论 let-7对食管鳞癌的发生、发展起抑制作用,其表达水平与组织分化程度、淋巴结转移及民族相关.

Abstract：

Objective To estimate the effect of microRNA (miRNA) let-7 expression on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) and the relationship between let-7 level and clinicopathological parameters. Methods ESCC cell line (Eca109) was transfected with let-7 or its inhibitor by RNAi and cell transfection techniques. Normal cultured Eca109 cell was served as negative control. The proliferation of Eca109 cell was detected by MTT. The expression of let-7 in Eca109 cells and 45 paired ESCC tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between let-7 level and clinicopathological parameters in patients with ESCC was analyzed. Results The A value of let-7 in Eca109 cells transfected with let-7 was lower than negative control (P=0.005), while it was higher in Eca109 cells transfected inhibitor than that in negative control 72 hours after transfection. In comparison with negative control, the expression of let-7 in Eca109 cells transfected with let-7 was increased 33% (1.33 vs 1.00,P=0. 039) and it was decreased 50% in Eca109 cells transfected with inhibitor (0.50 vs 1.00,P=0. 014). The ratio of let-7 expression in ESCC tissue and para-cancerous tissue was 0.66 ± 0.47 with significant differece (P= 0.001). Moreover, The level of let-7 expression in Han patients with ESCC was lower than Kazakh patients with ESCC (0.48±0.43 vs 0. 88±0.51,P=0. 019). The level of let-7 expression in poorly differentiated ESCC tissue was lower than well differentiated ESCC tissue (0.42±0.30 vs 0.84±0.38,P=0. 015). The level of let-7 expression in patients with lymph node metastasis was lower than those without lymph node metastasis (0.50±0.35vs 0. 80±0.52,P=0. 032) . Conclusion It is demonstrated that let-7 can inhibit the carcinogenesis and development of ESCC. The level of let-7 expression is associated with cell differentiation,lymph node metastasis and nationalities.     

Upregulated ataxia‐telangiectasia group D complementing gene correlates with poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The ataxia‐telangiectasia group D complementing gene (ATDC) plays significant roles in various human cancers. However, the clinical significance of ATDC in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been investigated. The ATDC messenger RNA level of 40 paired ESCC and nonneoplastic tissues were evaluated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, 10 pairs of which were also used for Western blot analysis. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the ATDC expression in 118 paraffin‐embedded cancerous and matched nonneoplastic tissues, and the correlation of ATDC expression with the clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of the ESCC patients was analyzed. The quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot results demonstrated that the expression level of ATDC was significantly higher in ESCC tissue than in matched noncancerous tissues. Both ATDC messenger RNA and protein expression in the ESCC tissue were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, stage, and lymph node metastasis. However, there was no significant difference in ATDC expression based on patient age or gender. Moreover, the results of both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that increased ATDC expression was correlated with a shorter 5‐year survival time for ESCC patients after surgery. We concluded that increased ATDC expression is associated with poor clinical outcomes and that this marker might be a useful indicator for prognosis and a promising target for therapy in ESCC patients.     

mir-183在食管鳞癌中的表达水平及其与临床病理、预后的关系

目的:探讨原发性食管鳞癌(esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,ESCC)组织中mir-183的表达状况及其与食管鳞癌临床病理特征之间的关系.方法:应用实时RT-PCR方法及2-△△CT分析法分别检测ESCC患者癌组织及癌旁正常组织中mir-183的表达状况及其与临床病理特征的相关性.结果:在53例标本中,有22例(41.51%)mir-183高表达(2-6411倍),mir-183的高表达分别与患者的淋巴结转移情况及不良预后有显著统计学意义(P<0.05).结论:mir-183的高表达在ESCC的发生发展中发挥重要作用.     

Comparison of clinicopathologic features and survival between eastern and western population with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the major histologic subtype of esophageal cancer, characterized by a high mortality rate and geographic differences in incidences. It is unknown whether there is difference between “eastern” ESCC and “western” ESCC. This study is attempted to demonstrate the hypothesis by comparing ESCC between Chinese residents and Caucasians living in the US.

Methods

The data sources of this study are from United States SEER limited-use database and Shanghai Cancer Registries by Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control (SMCDC). Consecutive, non-selected patients with pathologically diagnosed ESCC, between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2006, were included in this analysis. 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival estimates were computed and compared between two populations. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors affecting survival differences.

Results

A total of 1,718 Chinese, 1,624 Caucasians ESCC patients with individual American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging information were included in this study. The Caucasian group had a significantly higher proportion of female patients than Chinese (38.24% vs. 18.68% P<0.01). ESCC was diagnosed in Chinese patients at an earlier age and stage than Caucasians. Generally, Chinese patients had similar overall survival rate with Caucasian by both univariate and multivariate analysis. Overall survival was significantly worse only in male Caucasians compared to Chinese patients (median survival time, 12.4 vs. 14.5 months, P<0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

ESCC from eastern and western countries might have some different features. These differences need to be taken into account for the management of ESCC patients in different ethnic groups.     

Association between Bmi1 and clinicopathological status of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM： To investigate the clinicopathological roles of Bmil in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC）.METHODS： Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining for Broil were performed in cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous paraffin-embedded esophageal specimens.RESULTS： The Bmil expression level was unaffected by gender and age. The level of Broil mRNA in ESCC was significantly higher than that in the adjacent non-cancerous tissues （2.181 ± 2.158 vs 0.931 ± 0.894, P = 0.0152）, and its over-expression was aggressively associated with lymph node metastasis （3.580 ± 2.487 vs 1.703 ± 0.758, P = 0.0003）, poorer cell differentiation （P = 0.0000） and advanced pathological stage （3.827± 2.673 vs 1.590 ± 0.735, P = 0.0001）. The patients were divided into high-expression and low-expression groups based on the median expression level of Bmi1 mRNA, and a shorter overall survival time in the former group was observed. Immunohistochemistry for Bmi1 oncoprotein showed diffusely positive, focally positive and negative expression in 44, 16 and 10 of 70 ESCC cases, respectively, compared with three, two and five of 10 adjacent non-cancerous cases （P = 0.027）. The positive rate of the oncoprotein in samples of histological grade Ⅲ was higher than that of grade Ⅱ（P = 0.031）, but its expression had no relation to the lymph node metastasis and pathological staging. In 70 ESCC samples, Bmi1 showed high intense expression in the cytoplasm and less or even no expression in the nucleus.CONCLUSION： Bmi1 was over-expressed in ESCC. Increased Bmi1 mRNA expression was significantly associated with ESCC progression, and the oncoprotein was largely distributed in the cytoplasm of tumor cells.     

Kiss-1在食管鳞状细胞癌组织中的表达及临床病理意义

目的:观察Kiss-1蛋白及mRNA在食管鳞状细胞癌组织中的表达及其临床病理意义.方法:采用免疫组织化学SP法、原位杂交和逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)技术,联合检测了62例食管鳞状细胞癌、31例癌旁不典型增生及62例正常食管组织中Kiss-1蛋白和mRNA的表达,并探讨其临床病理意义.结果:在食管鳞状细胞癌组织、癌旁不典型增生及正常食管组织中,Kiss-1蛋白的阳性表达率分别为56.5%、67.7%、90.3%(P<0.05);用原位杂交检测Kiss-1 mRNA阳性表达率分别为51.6%、74.2%、95.2%(P<0.05);用RT-PCR技术检测Kiss-1 mRNA阳性表达率分别为54.8%、71.0%、88.7%(P<0.05);食管鳞状细胞癌组织中Kiss-1蛋白及mRNA的低表达与淋巴结转移密切相关(P<0.05),而与患者的性别、年龄、肿瘤的组织学分级无关(P>0.05);Kiss-1蛋白的低表达与浸润深度有关(P<0.05);在食管鳞状细胞癌组织中,Kiss-1蛋白及mRNA的表达呈正相关(P<0.05),用原位杂交及RT-PCR技术对Kiss-1 mRNA表达情况的检测结果也呈正相关(P<0.05).结论:Kiss-1基因的表达降低或缺失和食管鳞状细胞癌的发生发展及转移有关,有望成为食管鳞状细胞癌早期诊断和预后判断的重要指标之一.