Abstract:

Objective   To evaluate the expressions of centrosome α tubulin, P53 protein and telomerase in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), paracancerous tissues, and cirrhosis / chronic hepatitis tissues, in order to investigate the correlations between centrosome abnormalities and telomerase in hepatocellular canceration. Methods   The paraffin-embedded tissues of 47 cases of HCC, 47 paracancerous tissues and 12 cirrhosis / chronic hepatitis tissues prepared in the Pathological Department of Jinan Central Hospital were selected. Immunohistochemistry SP method was applied to detect the expressions of centrosome α tubulin, P53 protein and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The correlations were then analyzed. Results   The expressions of α tubulin in HCC, paracancerous and cirrhosis /chronic hepatitis tissues were 59.57%, 23.4% and 16.67%; the expressions of P53 protein were 76.60%, 29.97% and 33.33%. The expressions were significantly higher in HCC than in paracancerous and cirrhosis /chronic hepatitis tissues (P<0.05). The positive expressions of hTERT were 68.09% in HCC, 34.04% in paracancerous tissues and 0% in cirrhosis /chronic hepatitis tissues, with significant difference (P<0.05). Expressions of α tubulin, P53 protein and telomerase were positively correlated. Conclusion    Centrosome abnormalities may participate in the development of HCC, and may serve as a new target for diagnosis and therapy.

Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Centrosome; Telomerase; P53 protein