Expression of E-cadherin/catenin complex in breast cancer

To detect the expressions of E-cadherin, α-catenin and β-catenin and analyze the relationship between E-cadherin-catenin adhesion complex and clinicopathological features in breast cancer. The expressions of E-cadherin, α-cadherin and β-catenin in specimens of 54 breast cancer, 21 normal breast tissues around tumor, 15 breast hyperplasia of usual type and 15 breast atypical hyperplasia were detected by immunohistochemical method. In 21 normal breast tissues, E-cadherin and α-catenin were expressed on cell membrane of ductal and acinic cells, showing cellular contour and border among cells. The staining character of the three proteins in breast hyperplasia of usual type was the same as that in normal breast tissue. In breast atypical hyperplasia, the abnormal expression rates of E-cadherin, α-catenin and β-catenin were 6.7%, 13.3% and 26.7%, respectively. The total abnormal expression rate of E-cadherin-catenin complex was 33.3%. In breast cancer, the abnormal expression rates of E-cadherin, α-catenin and β-catenin were 51.9%, 63.0% and 61.1%, respectively. The total abnormal expression rate of E-cadherin-catenin complex was 88.9%. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin were significantly correlated with histological grade. Abnormal expressions of α-catenin and β-catenin were significantly correlated with TNM staging, axillary lymph nodes metastasis and postoperative distant metastasis. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin-catenin complex was correlated with TNM staging, histological grade and axillary lymph nodes. Abnormal expression of β-catenin was negatively correlated with expression of HER-2. COX multiple factor analysis showed that E-cadherin or α-catenin or β-catenin was not independent prognostic indicator. Abnormal expressions of E-cadherin, α-catenin and β-catenin frequently occur in breast cancer. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin-catenin complex is correlated with differentiation disturbance and metastasis. Combined measurement of E-caherin, α-catenin and β-catenin may improve accuracy and sensitivity of predicting metastasis and prognosis of breast cancer.