Relationship between abnormal expression of E-cadherin-catenin complex in gastric carcinoma and its clinicopathological features as well as patient survival

Objective E cadherin catenin complex mediates cell cell adhesion and plays an important role in maintaining normal architecture and function of epithelial tissues. We evaluated the expression patterns of E cadherin, α catenin, and β catenin in gastric carcinoma and determine the potential relationship between E cadherin catenin complex and tumor clinicopathological features as well as patient survival. Methods Immunohistochemical staining of E cadherin, α catenin, and β catenin in 148 gastric carcinomas was performed. Results The abnormal expression rates of E cadherin, α catenin and β catenin in the tissues of gastric carcinomas were 44.6%, 73.6% and 43.2%, respectively. The total abnormal expression rate of E cadherin complex in 148 cases of gastric carcinoma was 91.9%. Reduced expression of E cadherin, α catenin and β catenin were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation status ( P 0.005). The rate of abnormal β catenin staining was higher in tumors with positive lymph node metastasis and with distant metastasis than that in tumors without lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis ( P 0.005). Better survival was noted in tumors retaining normal membranous expression of β catenin, regardless of tumor type, grade or stage ( P 0.005). Conclusions Abnormal expressions of E cadherin, α catenin and β catenin frequently occurs in gastric carcinoma, and, in particular, abnormal expression of β catenin may be a useful prognostic marker for the survival term of gastric carcinoma.