The expression of Survivin and its mRNA in epithelial ovarian cancer

Objective To study the expression of a novel apoptotic inhibitor, Survivin, and its relationship with the histological type, grade and surgical stage of epithelial ovarian tumors. Methods Using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry, the mRNA and protein expression of Survivin were examined in 52 epithelial ovarian cancers, 25 benign epithelial ovarian tumors as well as 20 normal ovarian tissues.Results Survivin mRNA was expressed in 84.6% (44/52) epithelial ovarian cancers, 24.0% (6/25) benign tumors and 15.0% (3/20) normal tissues. Survivin protein was expressed in 65.48% (34/52) ovarian cancers, but no expression in benign tumors and normal tissues. The mRNA and protein expression of Survivin were significantly higher in ovarian cancers than in benign tumors and normal tissues (P0.001). Overexpression of Survivin mRNA and protein was related to the tumor grade and clinical stage of ovarian cancers (P0.05). However, the mRNA and protein expression of Survivin showed no relationship with the histological type of ovarian cancers (P0.05).Conclusions The apoptotic inhibitor gene, Survivin, plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of ovarian cancers.