Objective: To detect the protein expressions of survivin and NF (nuclear factor)-κB and investigate their roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods: A total of 206 cases were diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma, and immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the protein expressions of survivin and NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma samples and normal liver tissue specimens. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the relationship of protein expressions of survivin and NF-κB and clinico-pathological parameters and prognosis.
Results: The expression of survivin was predominant in cytoplasm while that of NF-κB was in nucleolus. The positive rate of survivin protein was 78.2% in hepatocellular carcinoma and that of NF-κB was 81.1%. The positive rate of survivin and NF-κB was higher in hepatocellular carcinoma than that in benign hepatic tissue (11.7% and 15.5%). Significant differences existed in the expressions of survivin and NF-κB between hepatocellular carcinoma and normal hepatic tissue (P < 0.01). The expression of survivin was related to amicula invasion, portal vein tumor thrombus, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage in hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.01). The expression of NF-κB was also related to portal vein tumor thrombus, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage in hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.05). There was an obviously positive correlation between the expressions of survivin and NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma (r = 0.52, P < 0.01). Survival rate of patients for 1, 3 year of positive expression of survivin and NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma was 70.3% and 30.4%, respectively. And it was obviously lower than that of those of negative expression (88.5% and 61.5%). There was significant difference in the expressions of survivin and NF-κB between positive and negative subjects in 1, 3 year (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Protein expressions of survivin and NF-κB are higher in hepatocellular carcinoma. And they play mutually promoting roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, an important prognostic indicator may be adopted.