In the present study, we performed an immunohistochemical examination of the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), TGF-β type II receptor (TGF-β RII) and a trefoil peptide, pS2, in the several types of gastric cancer. The TGF-β:TGF-β RII ratios of IIc-like type and Ménétrier type closely resembled that of linitis type. pS2 was intensely expressed in cytoplasm of the superficial and foveolar epithelium, as well as in scirrhous type gastric cancers which retained the gastric or intestinal phenotype. However, pS2 expression was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in linitis type gastric cancers (1 of 6; 17%) when compared with other scirrhous types of gastric cancers (13 of 22; 59%). A decrease in the TGF-β:TGF-β RII ratios in linitis type, IIc-like type and Ménétrier type gastric cancers may be associated with the fibrosis seen in these types of cancer. Furthermore, reduction of pS2 expression in linitis type gastric cancer may represent a dedifferentiation of the cancer from gastric or intestinal phenotype. Judging by the expression patterns of TGF-β, TGF-β RII and pS2, it is possible that IIc-like type and Ménétrier type gastric cancers are precursor lesions of linitis type gastric cancer.

Keywords:
pS2, TGF-β, TGF-β RII, Linitis type gastric cancer
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.