Abstract:
Objective This study aimed to preliminarily investigate the expression and clinical significance of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kd-interacting protein 3(BNIP3) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).
Methods The expressions of BNIP3 and HIF-1α were detected by immunohistochemical staining with tissue microarray in 72 cases of ESCC and 30 cases of normal esophageal mucosa tissue.BNIP3 and HIF-1α expressions were compared in ESCC and normal esophageal mucosa tissue using statistical methods.The relationship between BNIP3 and HIF-1α, as well as clinical pathological features including the original site of tumor, tumor infiltration depth(T stage), TNM staging, lymph node metastasis(including lymphatic invasion) and tumor differentiation(grade), were statistically analyzed.
Results BNIP3 protein expression was localized in the cytoplasm of cells.HIF-1α protein expression was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells.The positive ratio of BNIP3 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue was 37.5%(27/72), which was significantly lower than that in normal esophageal mucosa tissue which was 60%(18/30)(P=0.037).The positive ratio of HIF-1α protein in ESCC was 52.7%(38/72), which was significantly higher than that in normal esophageal mucosa tissue at 13.3%(4/30)(P=0.000).The expression of BNIP3 protein was correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis(P=0.035, P=0.048, P=0.033).The expression of HIF-1α protein was also correlated with depth of tumor invasion, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis(P=0.023, P=0.004, P=0.002).The expression of BNIP3 protein was positively correlated with HIF-1α(r=-0.274, P=0.020).
Conclusion The expression of BNIP3 is correlated with HIF-1α expression, depth of tumor invasion, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis in ESCC.Therefore, the combined detection of BNIP3 and HIF-1α may contribute to the auxiliary diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and monitoring of postoperative recurrence in ESCC.