Objective  To investigate the relationships between the clinico-pathologic features and the heparanase (Hpa) and the CD222 expressions in bladder carcinoma.

  Methods  The expressions of Hpa and CD222 in 95 bladder carcinoma specimens and 20 paraneoplastic bladder tissues (controls) were assessed using the immunohistochemical staining method.

  Results  The positive expression rates of Hpa and CD222 in bladder carcinoma were 68.42% and 61.05%, respectively. The positive rate of Hpa was significantly higher in the carcinoma specimens than in the control specimens (P < 0.01). Similarly, the Hpa expression in the invasive bladder carcinoma was significantly higher than that in the non-invasive bladder carcinoma (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between the expressions of Hpa and CD222 (P < 0.05). The expressions of Hpa and CD222 were significantly correlated with lymphatic invasion and TNM staging (P < 0.05). The negative expression of the Hpa group showed a significantly better five-year survival period than the positive expression group (P < 0.05). The co-positive expression of the Hpa group and CD222 showed a significantly worse five-year survival period compared with the non-co-positive expression group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  High Hpa and CD222 expressions in tumor tissues were associated with the occurrence and development of bladder carcinoma. Results provide helpful information for the further diagnosis and therapy of cancer patients.