CXCL12/CXCR4 display an inverse mRNA expression profile in gastric carcinoma which correlates with tumor progression

Einleitung:

Chemokines and their receptors have been shown to contribute to tumor growth and metastatic spread in various gastrointestinal cancer entities.

Ziele:

In this study, the mRNA expression profile and clinical significance of chemokine ligand CXCL12 and its corresponding receptor CXCR4 have been investigated in gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Methodik:

Using RealTime-PCR we analyzed the expression profile of CXCL12/CXCR4 in resection specimens from patients with GC (n = 66) as well as in corresponding normal gastric tissues.

Ergebnisse:

Investigating CXCL12/CXCR4 mRNA expression in GC tissues we demonstrated a significant down-regulation of CXCL12 (P < 0.05) whereas CXCR4 mRNA expression was shown to be significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). Likewise, in gastric carcinoma patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy CXCR4 expression was found to be significantly up-regulated whereas in GC patients with lymph and vene infiltration CXCL12 mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05, respectively).

Schlussfolgerung:

Our results demonstrate a significant inversely related association between the development and progress of GC and CXCL12/CXCR4 mRNA expression. Thus, CXCR4 mRNA up-regulation was promoted under the influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery in GC patients whereas higher tumor stages with lymph and vene infiltration negatively affected CXCL12 mRNA expression.