Loss of E-cadherin mRNA and gain of osteopontin mRNA are useful markers for detecting early recurrence of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

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Abstract
Background and Objectives We investigated whether expression of E‐cadherin (E‐cad) and osteopontin (OPN) mRNAs could predict the early recurrence of HCV‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCV‐HCC) after curative surgery. Methods Forty‐four HCV‐HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy were divided into three categories: category 1—recurrence (3 mR+: n = 6) or non‐recurrence (3 mR−: n = 38) within 3 months; category 2–recurrence (6 mR+: n = 4) or non‐recurrence (6 mR−: n = 34) between 3–6 months; category 3—recurrence (1 yR+: n = 4) or non‐recurrence (1 yR−: n = 30) between 6–12 months. Levels of expression of E‐cad and OPN mRNAs were analyzed quantitatively by real‐time PCR and calculated using the formula: t = (copy of E‐cad or OPN/copy of GAPDH) × 1,000. Results The t‐value for E‐cad was significantly lower in 3 mR+ than in 3 mR− (0.4 and 28.1, P < 0.05), in 6 mR+ than in 6 mR− (4.0 and 30.6, P < 0.05), and in 1 yR+ than in 1 yR− (9.2 and 32.9, respectively, P < 0.05). The t‐value for OPN was higher in 3 mR+ than in 3 mR− (92.6 and 65.7, P = 0.57), in 6 mR+ than in 6 mR− (457.1 and 58.15, respectively, P = 0.24), and in 1 yR+ than in 1yR− (221.8 and 53.5, respectively, P = 0.06). Conclusions Low expression of E‐cad mRNA and high expression of OPN mRNA are associated with a higher likelihood of early recurrence of HCV‐HCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;92:304–311.