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Characterization of somatostatin receptor 2 and 5 expression in operable hepatocellular carcinomas
Shanni Li1, Yao Liu, Zhongyang Shen
1Department of Transplantation, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Background/Aims:
Somatostatin analog improves survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with its specific receptor 2 and 5. However, expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) in operable HCC is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the expression of SSTR-2 and -5 in HBV-related HCC and compared its clinicopathological features and follow-up data.
Methodology:
Seventy six patients with HCC were enrolled. SSTR-2 and -5 expression was investigated by QPCR and immunohistochemistry in all the samples. Furthermore, the association between gene expression and survival was analyzed.
Results:
Compared to surrounding cirrhotic tissues, mRNA levels of SSTR-2 and -5 in HCCs were significantly reduced. Seventy six HCC patients were divided into two groups according to SSTR-2 and 5 expression profiles. Both groups were well balanced with respect to baseline characteristics. According to univariate analysis, the mean survival time was longer in the HIGH SSTR-2/5 expression group. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that tumor expression level of SSTR-2 can be used as an independent prognostic marker of HCC as well as tumor TNM stage.
Conclusions:
Downregulation of SSTR transcription may result in loss of a tumor suppressive. Characterization of SSTR expression can be used as a useful parameter to evaluate the prognosis of HCC.
Insights
Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression is reduced in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High SSTR-2 and -5 levels correlate with longer survival, making SSTR a potential prognostic marker for HCC.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Cancers
- Molecular Oncology
- Receptor Biology
Background:
- Somatostatin analogs show efficacy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by targeting somatostatin receptors (SSTR).
- SSTR expression in operable HCC remains poorly understood.
- This study investigates SSTR-2 and SSTR-5 expression in HBV-related HCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 5 (SSTR-2, SSTR-5) in HBV-related HCC.
- To compare SSTR expression with clinicopathological features and patient survival data.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR (QPCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to assess SSTR-2 and SSTR-5 expression in 76 HCC samples.
- Gene expression levels were correlated with patient survival data.
Main Results:
- mRNA levels of SSTR-2 and SSTR-5 were significantly lower in HCC tissues compared to surrounding cirrhotic tissues.
- Patients with high SSTR-2/5 expression exhibited longer mean survival times.
- Multivariate analysis identified SSTR-2 expression as an independent prognostic marker for HCC, alongside TNM staging.
Conclusions:
- Downregulation of SSTR transcription in HCC may contribute to tumor progression.
- SSTR expression profiling serves as a valuable tool for assessing HCC prognosis.
