Loss of E-cadherin mRNA and gain of osteopontin mRNA are useful markers for detecting early recurrence of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and Objectives: We investigated whether expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) and osteopontin (OPN) mRNAs could predict the early recurrence of HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCV-HCC) after curative surgery. Methods: Forty-four HCV-HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy were divided into three categories: category I-recurrence (3 mR+: n=6) or nonrecurrence (3 mR-: n = 38) within 3 months; category 2-recurrence (6 mR+: n = 4) or non-recurrence (6 mR-: n = 34) between 3-6 months; category 3-recurrence (1 yR+: n = 4) or non-recurrence (1 yR-: n = 30) between 6-12 months. Levels of expression of E-cad and OPN mRNAs were analyzed quantitatively by real-time PCR and calculated using the formula: t - (copy of E-cad or OPN/copy of GAPDH) x 1,000. Results: The t-value for E-cad was significantly lower in 3 mR+ than in 3 mR- (0.4 and 28. 1, P < 0.05), in 6 mR+ than in 6 mR- (4.0 and 30.6, P < 0.05), and in I yR+ than in 1 yR- (9.2 and 32.9, respectively, P < 0.05). The t-value for OPN was higher in 3 mR+ than in 3 mR- (92.6 and 65.7, P = 0.57), in 6 mR+ than in 6 mR- (457.1 and 58.15, respectively, P=0.24), and in 1 yR+ than in lyR- (221.8 and 53.5, respectively, P = 0.06). Conclusions: Low expression of E-cad mRNA and high expression of OPN mRNA are associated with a higher likelihood of early recurrence of HCV-HCC.