IngentaConnect CDX2 protein expression in gallbladder carcinoma

Authors: Kang, Gu Hyun¹; Lee, Choong Sik²; Park, Eun Su¹; Kang, Dae Young²

Source: Basic and Applied Pathology, Volume 1, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 61-65(5)

Abstract:

Background and aim: CDX2 is a caudal-type homeobox gene encoding a transcription factor that has an important role in proliferation and differentiation of the intestinal epithelium. Although CDX2-mediated intestinal metaplasia and its association with gastric and esophageal carcinoma have been well described, its function in gallbladder carcinoma remains unclear. Methods: CDX2, MUC2 and MUC5AC expression were examined in carcinoma, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia of the gallbladder by immunohistochemical staining. Results: CDX2 was not observed in the normal epithelium of the gallbladder but was expressed in 71.4% (20/28) of gallbladder carcinomas including 10 of 18 adenocarcinomas, not otherwise specified, 9 papillary adenocarcinomas and 1 intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. In adenocarcinomas, CDX2 was observed more frequently in well differentiated types than in moderately and poorly differentiated types (P= 0.009). MUC2 and MUC5AC was expressed in 53.6% (15/28) and 71.4% (20/28) of gallbladder carcinomas, respectively. Both CDX2 and MUC2 were observed in 50.0% (14/28) and CDX2 expression was related to MUC2 (P= 0.006) rather than MUC5AC (P= 0.234) in gallbladder carcinomas. CDX2 was also expressed in intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, which are considered to be premalignant conditions. Conclusions: These results suggest that CDX2 may play an important role in gallbladder carcinogenesis with intestinal differentiation.

Keywords: CDX2; dysplasia; gallbladder carcinoma; intestinal metaplasia; MUC2

Document Type: Original article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-9294.2008.00014.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 2: Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea