Expression And Significance Of PLK1 In Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the expression of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) in human hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical significance.Methods: The expression of PLK1 was detected in tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (n＝21), hepatic cirrhosis tissue (n＝7) and normal hepatic tissue (n＝7) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results:1. The expression rate of PLK1 mRNA (PLK1/β—actin) in tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (0.572±0.144), hepatic cirrhosis tissue (0.250±0.057) and normal hepatic tissue (0.218±0.073) (P＜0.05).2. The expression of PLK1 mRNA was significantly related to tumor size (D＞5cm 0.641±0.110 ; D＝5cm 0.458±0.120 P＝0.002) and vascular invasion (tumor embolus in portal vein 0.652±0.107; No tumor embolus in portal vein 0.522±0.144 P＝0.041). There were no significant associations between the expression of PLK1 mRNA and tumor involucrum, clinical grading and AFP expression.3. The expression of PLK1 protein in tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma is higher that in hepatic cirrhosis tissue and normal hepatic tissue significantly. Conclusions:1. PLK1 is over-expressed in tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma;2. The expression of PLK1 mRNA was significantly related to tumor size and vascular invasion.