Expression of S100A4, E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin in gastric adenocarcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This investigation aimed to elucidate the expression patterns of S100A4 and adhesion molecules in gastric carcinoma and to estimate their correlation with clinicopathologic parameters.

METHODOLOGY: The expression of S100A4, E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin was studied in 251 gastric carcinoma specimens through immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS: The positive expression of S100A4 was significantly associated with advanced gastric cancer, higher pTNM stage, and poorer survival rates, especially when present in nuclear staining. The reduced expression of adhesion molecules was significantly associated with diffuse type of gastric cancer. The reduced expression of beta-catenin was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, especially in early gastric cancer. The coexpression status of S100A4-positive and reduced beta-catenin was significantly associated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor depth, and higher pTNM stage.

CONCLUSIONS: S100A4 and adhesion molecule expression may be a useful prognostic marker for individual gastric cancer patients.