Expression of cyclin D1, cdk4, p16 and Rb in gallbladder carcinoma and its significance

Objective To detect the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependentkinase 4 (cdk4), p16 and Rb in gallbladder carcinoma and explore their relationships. Methods The immunohistochemical method of avidin-biotin complex in paraffin-embedded sections was used. Results The positive rates of cyclin D1, cdk4, p16 and Rb in 40 cases of gallbladder carcinoma were 42.5%, 47.5%, 32.5% and 37.5%, respectively. The positive rates of cyclin D1, cdk4 and Rb were significantly lower in cases of well-differentiation, histological grade Ⅰ and without metastasis than in those of poor differentiation, histological grade Ⅲ and with metastasis. The positive correlation was found between the expression of cyclin D1 and that of cdk4 while negative correlation was found among the expression of p16 and that of cyclin D1/cdk4 and Rb in gallbladder carcinoma. Conclusions The expression of cyclin D1, cdk4, p16 and Rb might be related to the carcinogenesis, development, biological behaviors and prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma. Abnormality in the negative feedback regulatory pathway of cyclin D1/cdk4, Rb and p16 might be involved in molecular mechanism of gallbladder carcinoma.