Expression of CD_(44) in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues and Its significances

Objective To investigate the expression of CD44 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma and clinical significances. Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed to examined 42 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent tissues and 10 cases of normal liver tissues for expression of CD44s and its isoforms CD44v6 proteins. Results Expression of CD44s and CD44v6 were all significantly higher in HCC tissues than it's surrounding liver and normal control, furthermore, be significantly correlated with the portal vein tumorous emboli, histological capsular infiltration and differentiation degree(P 0.01, P 0.05, P 0.05, respectively). The positive expression of CD44s and CD44v6 were 17.6 %, 5.8 % respectively in groups that survival time was longer than or equal to two years, while 52.6 %, 42.2 % respectively less than two years(P 0.05). Conclusion Expression of CD44s and CD44v6 is significantly correlated with differentiation, invasion and metastasis of HCC, and it is helpful to judge prognosis.