Expression of heparanase in human renal cell carcinoma and its clinical significance

Objective:To evaluate the relationship of heparanase expression,clinicopathological types, clinical stages, lymph node metastasis and tumor thrombus of human renal cell carcinoma. Methods:Heparanase expression was examined by immunohistochemical method in 103 samples of renal cell carcinoma. Results:The expression rates of heparanase were 67.0% in renal cell carcinoma tissues and 8.7% in paratumor tissues. The expression rates of heparanase were lower in renal cell carcinoma tissues than in metastatic lymph nodes (85.7%) and tumor thrombus (84.6%). There was no significant difference between the positive expression rates in low stage of tumors (Ⅰ,Ⅱ) and in higher stage of tumors(Ⅲ,Ⅳ). And there was no significant difference in heparanase expression among various histologic types of renal cell carcinoma tissues. Conclusion:Heparanase expression is higher in renal cell carcinoma tissues. Detection of heparanase may be helpful in evaluating the aggressive capability of renal cell carcinoma.