Expression Of Claudin-3 In Transitional Cell Carcinoma Of The Bladder And Its Significance

Objective:To investigate the transcription and expression of claudin-3 mRNA and protein in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB) and discuss their significance in carcinogenesis and progression of TCCB,as well as their relations with angiogenesis and prognosis.Methods: The expression of claudin-3 mRNA and protein in sample of 56 TCCB and 17 normal bladder tissues were examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical stain. The relationships between claudin-3 mRNA and protein expression, pathological types and clinical stages of TCCB were also analyzed.Results:1. The positive rate of claudin-3 mRNA in TCCB and normal bladder tissues was 23.21%(13/56) and 52.94%(9/17)respectively.And the positive rate of claudin-3 mRNA in TCCB was less than in normal bladder tissue(P<0.05).There was significant difference of positive rates in different clinical stage (P<0.05)and pathological grade(P<0.05)of TCCB. 2. The positive rate of claudin-3 in TCCB and normal bladder tissues was 44.64%(25/56) and 82.35%(14/17) respectively. The expression level of claudin-3 protein in TCCB was less than in normal bladder tissue(P<0.05),at the same time it was related positively with clinical stage (P<0.05)and pathological grade(P<0.05) of TCCB. The differences expression rate of claudin-3 protein in different gender,age,single and multiple foci of TCCB were no significant .Conclusion:1. The low positive rate of Claudin-3 mRNA and protein in TCCB reveals that Claudin-3 may play a negative regulatory effect on the carcinogenesis and progression of TCCB.2.The low level expression of Claudin-3 is related with clinical stage,pathological grade and recurrence in TCCB.It shows Claudin-3 may possibly be an new indicatrix for diagnosis of TCCB.