The Expression And Significance Fo The SONIC HEDGEHOG Signaling Pathway In Hepatocellular Carinoma

Objective:Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (primary human hepatocellular, HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumor of digestive system in the world which seriously hazard human health. HCC has shown an upward trend in our country. The pathogenesis of HCC is not fully elucidated at present. Increasing evidence has indicated Sonic Hedgehog(SHH)signaling pathway usually participates in the carcinogenesis and progression of a number of human malignant tumors. This study was to detecte the expression and analyzing clinical significance of the SHH signaling pathway molecule Shh,Smo and Gli2 in HCC tissues and cell lines HepG2,Huh7 by using immunochemistry and RT-PCR.Methods:1. The expression of the SHH signaling pathway molecule Shh,Smo and Gli2 protein were detected in 30 HCC tissue and 10 normal liver tissue slices using immunochemistry. 2. The expression of the SHH signaling molecule Shh, Smo and Gli2 and clinicopathologic features of HCC was analyzed, including tumor size, portal vein invasion, tumor grade, cirrhosis, AFP value of size, HBV infection.3. The expression of the SHH signaling pathway molecule Shh,Smo and Gli2 mRNA were detected in 10 fresh HCC tissue and 2 HCC cell lines HepG2,Huh7 by using RT-PCR.4. The expression of the SHH signaling pathway molecule Shh,Smo and Gli2 mRNA was analyzed in HCC tissue and adjacent tissues and cell line HepG2,Huh7.Results:1. Immunochemistry showed the positive ratio of Shh,Smo and Gli2 protein were 63.3%(19/30),76.7%(23/30),66.7%(20/30) in 30 HCC tissue slices,respectively.Shh,Smo and Gli2 protein did not express in normal liver tissue.2. The expression of Smo protein was significantly correlated with the tumor size and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05,P=0.016). The expression of Gli2 was significantly correlated with the tumor differentiation and the tumor thrombus in protal vein in liver and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05,P=0.017,P=0.024).3. RT-PCR showed Shh,Smo and Gli2 were detected positive in both HCC tissues and HepG2,Huh7 lines.The expression of Shh,Smo and Gli2 mRNA in HCC tissues was higher than in adjacent-tumor tissues(P<0.05).The expression of Shh,Smo and Gli2 mRNA was higher in Huh7 than in HepG2 cell lines,but there was no significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion:The expression of HH signal peptide Shh,membrane protein receptor Smo and nuclear transcription factor Gli2 of SHH signal pathway were elevated in HCC tissues and cell lines,which indicated that SHH signaling pathway may involve in human HCC carcinogenesis.The study may provide new experimental evidence for prevention and treatment of HCC.