Increased Expression Of EphA2and E-N Cadherin Switch In Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Aim:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of EphA2and EMT related proteins in primary hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:Tissues from52primary hepatocellular carcinomas (PHC) and12human normal liver tissues were detected for expression of EphA2, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin by immunochemistry. Clinicopathological features of PHC and tumor recurrence after operation were studied for the association with these molecular expressions and E-N cadherin switch.Results:Increased expressions of EphA2and N-cadherin and reduced expression of E-cadherin were significantly detected in PHC compared with in normal liver tissues. Univariate analysis showed that there were closely association between clinicopathological features and expressions of EphA2, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and E-N cadherin switch. EphA2and E-cadherin expressions were confirmed as independent prognostic factors when corrected with age, gender, AFP, HBsAg, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, nodules, capsule, portal vein invasion, cell differential, and TNM stage.Conclusions:1.The expression of EphA2and N-cadherin was significantly increased in PHC, but the expression of E-cadherin was significantly reduced.2.Increased expressions of EphA2、N-cadherin and reduced expression of E-cadherin and E-N cadherin switch are correlated with the worse clinicopathological features and higher recurrence postoperation in PHC.3.Increased expressions of EphA2and reduced expression of E-cadherin are independent risk factors of recurrence postoperation in PHC.