The loss of expression and significance of PTEN in hepatocelluar carcinoma.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the loss of expression of PTEN and the HCC development and malignancy.Methods We examined the expression of PTEN protein on archival HCC materials and hepatocelluar carcinoma cell line.Results PTEN protein was detected in 19 out of 63 cases of HCC,much higher than that of normal liver tissues and cirrhotic liver tissues.The negative rate has a statistical significant relationship with the difference,metastasis and prognosis.Conclusion Loss of tumor suppressor PTEN protein expression usually occurs in HHCC pathologic progression and is correlated with differentiation,metastasis and prognosis.