Expression and significance of P27 in hepatocellular carcinomas

Objective:To study the expression and its significance of P27 protein in hcpatocellular carcinomas(HCC).Methods:Expression of P27 protein is investigated by immunohistochemistry technique(SP) in 50 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone surgery for HCC,22 cases of their adjacent noncancerous lesions and 9 cases normal liver control specimens.Results:The P27 LI in hepatocellular carcinomas was higher than that in the adjacent noncancerous lesions (P=0.002).Furthermore,the P27LI in adjacent noncancerous lesions was significantly highter than that in normal liver lesions (P=0.007).The expression of P27 was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation,stage,size,portal invasion,and intrahepatic metastasis.The post-operation survival time for patients with P27LI≥50% was longer than those with P27 LI50%'s (P=0.004).Conclusion:These findings suggest that in HCC P27 is active against HCC progression in early phases and may be helpful in determining tumor progression.And it may serve as an available prognostic marker.