Mucin Expression According to the Progression of Gastric Carcinomas

Kim, Yong Il; Lee, Ju Han; Choi, Jong Sang

Abstract

PURPOSE
Alteration of the mucin profile has been known to be related with the progression of the gastric cancers. This study was intended to evaluate the expression of MUC proteins in gastric cancers and assess the differences in their expressions and the tumor depth, histological classification, lymph node metastases, and the survival of gastric cancers patients. METHODS: A total of 251 gastric adenocarcinomas were classified using tumor progression as early cancers and advanced cancers, either with or without lymph node metastases. The immunohistochemical expressions of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were examined using tissue array slides. RESULTS: Intestinal type of gastric adenocarcinomas showed higher expressions of MUC1 and MUC2 (P=0.004, P=0.028), but no statistical relationship was found with the expressions of MUC5AC and MUC6. MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 showed progressively lower expressions in relation to advanced lesions and lymph node metastases, ; however, MUC1 showed higher expressions according to tumor progression. Patients with gastric carcinomas expressing MUC1 showed significantly poorer survival than those not expressing MUC1 (P=0.0134). Also, those patients expressing lower levels of MUC5AC and MUC6 showed poorer survival rates (P=0.000, P=0.0213). The expression of MUC2 showed no relationship with survival rate. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that study of mucin profile might be a useful prognostic factor for predicting the outcome of gastric cancer patients.