Expressions Of Connexin 43, E-cadherin In Colorectal Cancer And Study Of Their Clinical Significances And Correlation

Objective Connexin (Cx) , a transmembranous protein , makes up of gap junction , which induces the communication of cells and plays an important role in proliferation and differentiation of cells. The directly or indirectly reduced expression of connexin protein may induce a malignant tendencyof cells. E-cadherin is a transmembranous glycoprotein and induces the adhesion of epitheliums and extracellular matrix. The reduced expression or dysfunction of E-cadherin will impair the ability of adhesion and make cells easy to be isolated. The aim of this study is to examine the expressions of Connexin 43(Cx43) and E-cadherin in colorectal cancer (CRC) and their clinical significances , and to analyze their correlation.Methods The expressions of Cx43 and E-cadherin proteins were detected in 60 CRC samples by immunohistochemistry S-P method , and their correlation was then analyzed.Results Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive staining of Cx43 and E-cadherin was located at cell membrane and cytoplasm,and the expressions of Cx43 and E-cadherin were remarkably decreased in CRC tissues. Positive rate of Cx43 expression and E-cadherin expression was 55%(33?60),40%(24?60)respectively.There were significant difference in positive rate of Cx43 and E-cadherin expressions,as compared to normal colorectal tissues(P<0.01,P<0.05). Their expressions were closely associated with tumor cell differentiation degree ,Dukes stage,lymph node metastasis of CRC(P<0.01,P<0.01),but was not associated with histological classification (P>0.05) .The expression of Cx43 significantly correlated with the expression of E-cadherin(rs=0.53,P<0.05).Conclusion The expressions of Cx43 and E-cadherin significantly decrease in CRC and they correlate with each other. It might be common affairs in carcinogenesis and development of CRC.