Naslov
Increased activity of nm23-H1 gene in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis

Autori
Pavelić, Krešimir ; Kapitanović, Sanja ; Radošević, Senka ; Bura, Miljenko ; Seiwerth, Sven ; Pavelić, Ljubomir ; Unušič, Josip ; Spaventi, Radan

Izvornik
Journal of molecular medicine (1107-3756) 78 (2000), 2; 111-118

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
head and neck cancer ; nm23-H1 gene

Sažetak
The present study was undertaken to determine whether nm23-H1 gene is expressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), as well as to establish whether or not the alterations in the level of nm23-H1 protein or mRNA occur in cells as they progress to a more malignant phenotype. Fifthy four (45%) of the 120 SCCHN studied stained positively for nm23-H1 protein. Protein expression was significantly higher in higher stages of disease. Expression of nm23-H1 was significantly higher in cancer tissues in comparison to normal, adjacent tissue, dysplasia or carcinoma in situ. The nm23-H1 score increased with progression of synchronous lesions from dysplasia to carcinoma in situ and finally to carcinoma (p<0.05). Northern blot analyses of tissues with different clinicopathological characteristics also revealed differences of nm23-H1 mRNA expression. When levels of nm23-H1 mRNA was compared with tumor stage, intensity of expression increased in stages 3 and 4 in comparison to stage 1 and 2 (p<0.01). Malignant tumors had increased level of mRNA nm23- H1 expression than normal or premalignant tissues. Nm23-H1 negative patients survived significantly longer than nm23-H1 positive ones (p<0.05). In order to evaluate whether a relationship between nm23-H1 gene expression and cell growth rate exists in tumor cells, in each tumor, the mRNA level was compared to proliferative activity. The nm23-H1 gene expression levels were directly related to the [3H]-thymidine labeling index in tumor cells (R=0.6681). Our results strongly indicate that nm23-H1 gene is involved in progression of SCCHN. Together with results obtained on lung cancer, our observation suggests that increased expression of nm23-H1 in cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract may have different implications than elsewhere in the body.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Temeljne medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA