Expression And Clinicopathological Significance Of MKK4 Gene In Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) mRNA and protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC) and its clinical significance.Methods:Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical methods were used to examine the expression of MKK4 in 42 cases of LSCC,20 cases of laryngeal papilloma(LP) and 20 cases of vocal cord polyp(VCP).The relationship between MKK4 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of LSCC were analyzed.Results:1.MKK4 mRNA and protein expression were gradually decreased from LSCC to LP and VCP. The difference was statistical significant(P<0.05).2. MKK4 mRNA and protein expression were increased with the increase in the invasive depth of LSCC(P<0.05). MKK4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in LSCC with nodal metastasis and atâ…¢-â…£clinical stage than those without nodal metastasis and atâ… -â…¡clinical stage(P<0.05).3.The positive expression of MKK4 was not related with the age, gender, primary site, and differentiation of LSCC patients(P>0.05).Conclusion:The up-regulation of MKK4 may play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of LSCC,and it may serve as a valuable marker for evaluating the carcinogenesis and metastasis of LSCC.