The expression of annexin I and thymosin beta4 in cervical cancer

Lee, Yu Sun; Chung, Hye Won; Moon, Hye Sung

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the expression of annexin I and thymosin beta4 in invasive cervical cancer including normal cervix and CIN.
METHODS
In Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, normal cervical tissues were obtained from healthy women (n=10), from patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, n=10) and from patients with cervical cancer (n=33). The expressions of annexin I and thymosin beta4 mRNA and protein were examined by quantitative competitive-PCR and by western blot analysis. The expressions of annexin I and thymosin beta4 protein were measured by western blot analysis with thymosin beta4 peptides non treated and treated SiHa cells.
RESULTS
The expression of thymosin beta4 mRNA and protein in cervical cancer were higher than that in normal cervix (p<0.05). The expression of annexin I mRNA and protein were higher than that in normal cervix and CIN (p<0.05). Thymosin beta4 and annexin I mRNA expressions were not significantly correlated with cervical cancer stage, or size of the tumor (p>0.05). But thymosin beta4 and annexin I protein expressions were increased according to the cancer stage. The expression of annexin I was slightly higher in thymosin beta4 treated SiHa cells than that in nontreated SiHa cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that overexpression of thymosin beta4 and annexin I may play roles in progression of invasive cervical cancer. Thymosin beta4 upregulates expression of annexin I in invasive cervical cancer. Therefore, thymosin beta4 and annexin I may be biological markers in detecting the progression of invasive cervical cancer, and their interaction is important in invasive cervical cancer.