Survivin gene expression and apoptosis in neuroblastoma

Objective To study Survivin gene expression and apoptosis in neuroblastoma (NB).Methods Expression of Survivin gene and apoptosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling methods,respectively.Results Survivin expression was detectable in 15/26 (57.7%) cases of NB and apoptotic cells were found in 17/17 cases.A highly positive rate was found in patients with unfavourable histology (UFH),advanced staging compared to those with favourable histology (FH),early staging (P=0.024?3,0.010?5,respectively).There were negative correlation between survivin lableling index (LI) and apoptosis index (AI,n=12,r=-0.591) or survival time (n=12,r=-0.629).There was a positive correlation between AI and survival time (n=16,r=0.563).Conclusion Survivin induced apoptosis inhibition was closely related with the development of NB; To detect the level of survivin gene expression may be useful for evaluating clinical prognosis of NB.