Expression and localization of midkine in hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and localization of midkine (MK) in human hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsIn situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis for MK were performed on samples of both tumor tissues and paratumor tissues from HCC and benign liver tumors. ResultsThe distribution and localization of the MK transcripts′ signals determined by in situ hybridization were similar to those obtained by immunohistochemical analysis. Most HCC tissues showed enhanced positive reaction within cytoplasm to both MK probe and MK immunostaining. There was no significant difference in clinicopathological parameters between MK negative and positive cases of HCC. ConclusionsHuman hepatocellular carcinoma overexpresses MK at the mRNA and protein level.