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Erschienen in:
01.09.2004 | Original Article
Human chorionic gonadotrophin beta expression in malignant Barrett’s oesophagus
Erschienen in: Virchows Archiv | Ausgabe 3/2004
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Background
Human chorionic gonadotrophin beta (hCGβ) is expressed in several non-trophoblastic tumours, and this is usually associated with aggressive behaviour. Little is known about hCGβ expression in Barrett’s adenocarcinoma.
Materials and methods
We determined the hCGβ profile in a large series of surgically resected Barrett’s adenocarcinoma (a) at mRNA level using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and (b) at protein level using immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody and with a monoclonal antibody specific for free hCGβ. We then sought links between the hCGβ protein expression pattern and clinical and pathological parameters, including patient outcome as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.
Results
hCGβ protein expression was observed in 43 of 76 (57%) Barrett’s adenocarcinomas. We showed a strong correlation between hCGβ protein abundance and CGB mRNA level. We observed a statistical link between hCGβ protein expression and infiltrative tumour type (P=0.023), perineural neoplastic invasion (P=0.007) and VEGF protein expression (P=0.016). hCGβ expression tended to be associated with a poor outcome (16% versus 36% survival 8 years after resection).
Conclusion
Expression of hCGβ correlates with specific infiltrative characteristics and is associated with higher VEGF expression. Both molecules may play a co-ordinated role in the development of Barrett’s adenocarcinomas.