Expression Of Beta-catenin And GSK-3in Holangiocarcinoma And Their Clinical Significance

Objectives To investigate the expressions of B-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase-3(GSK-3) protein in cholangiocarcinoma and to analysis their correlation with clinical pathological features and survival significance. Methods Immunohistochemistry examination were used to detect the expressions of B-catenin and the active form of GSK-3-pGSK-3a/B (Tyr279/216) proteins in50cholangiocarcinoma tissues and20normal bile duct tissues. Results (1)The positive rates of B-catenin and pGSK-3a/B (Tyr279/216) in cholangiocarcinoma were significantly higher than that in normal bile duct tissues(P<0.001).(2) The expression level of B-catenin in cholangiocarcinoma was significantly correlated with TNM stage(P=0.002), tumor differentiation(P=0.010) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.002), whereas the expression level of pGSK-3a/B (Tyr279/216) protein in cholangiocarcinoma was associated with TNM stage (P=0.029), histological grade (P=0.018) and serum albumin(P=0.033).(3) Patients with positive expression of B-catenin and pGSK-3a/B (Tyr279/216) have a significantly worse prognosis than that with negative expression of B-catenin and pGSK-3a/B (Tyr279/216) for overall survival(P=0.025, P=0.005). The expression of B-catenin (P=0.018) and pGSK-3a/B (Tyr279/216)(P=0.016) was correlated with one-year survival. Conclusion The expression of B-catenin and pGSK-3a/β (Tyr279/216) are significantly associated with the development and progression of cholangiocarcinoma. And they may be an important prognostic factor for survival of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.