beta-Catenin Expression in Gastric Carcinogenesis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The molecular pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma is not yet well characterized. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of beta-catenin in gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS: We analyzed beta-catenin expression using immunohistochemistry on 68 gastric adenomas and 34 gastric adenocarcinomas, and compared the result with pathological and molecular types of tumors and E-cadherin expression. RESULTS: Nuclear expression of beta-catenin was noted more frequently in gastric adenomas than in carcinomas (40% vs. 21%, 0.05< or = P<1). There was no significant relationship between nuclear beta-catenin expression and histologic degree of adenoma, histologic type of carcinoma or microsatellite instability. E-cadherin expression showed significantly more frequent decrease in the membrane stainability of carcinomas compared to adenomas (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The frequent nuclear beta-catenin expression in gastric adenomas suggests that the beta-catenin alteration might play an early role in gastric carcinogenesis.