Survivin Expression in Gastric Cancer and Relatives
Author Information
Author(s): Yu J, Leung W K, Ebert M P A, Ng E K W, Go M Y Y, Wang H B, Chung S C S, Malfertheiner P, Sung J J Y
Primary Institution: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
The study investigates the expression of survivin in gastric cancer and its association with apoptosis and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression.
Conclusion
Survivin is frequently expressed in gastric cancer and first-degree relatives, and its expression is associated with reduced apoptosis and increased cyclo-oxygenase-2 levels.
Supporting Evidence
- 68% of gastric cancer tissues expressed survivin mRNA.
- Survivin expression was absent in normal gastric mucosa.
- Survivin expression was associated with reduced apoptosis in gastric cancers.
- Survivin mRNA was detected in 27% of non-cancer relatives.
- Survivin expression correlated with H. pylori infection.
Takeaway
The study found that a protein called survivin is often present in stomach cancer and in family members of cancer patients, which might help cancer cells avoid dying.
Methodology
The study used reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot to evaluate survivin and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of participants and the interpretation of results by investigators.
Limitations
The study did not establish a direct causal relationship between survivin expression and gastric cancer development.
Participant Demographics
50 gastric cancer patients (33 males, 17 females, mean age 62.2 years), 30 non-cancer first-degree relatives, and 20 normal controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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