Relationship of Survivin Gene Expression and Apoptosis in Colorectal Carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the correlation between transcriptional level of survivin gene and apoptosis index in colorectal carcinoma. Methods: The expression of survivin was detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with molecular beacon probe in 49 cases of colorectal carcinoma and 14 cutting edge colorectal tissues. Apoptosis cells were screened by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique, and the apoptotic index (AI) was calculated. Results: The copies of survivin gene expression in colorectal carcinoma were significantly higher and apoptotic index in colorectal carcinoma was significantly lower(P0.05). There were no correlation between the copies of survivin and tumor location, gender, age and Dukes stage of the patients. The copies of survivin gene expression were related to different pathological types and lymph node metastases. Apoptotic index was significantly higher in colons than that in rectums and lower in survivin expression positive samples than that in negative group, respectively. Conclusion: Survivin is overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma and may be an indicator in predicting lymph nodes metastasis.