RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Alteration of E-Cadherin Expression in Gastric Mucosa: Role of Intestinal Metaplasia and Helicobater pylori Infection JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 1603 OP 1608 VO 24 IS 3A A1 ANGELO ZULLO A1 ADRIANA ROMITI A1 FRANCESCO BORRINI A1 CESARE HASSAN A1 FRANCESCA STELLA A1 IDA SARCINA A1 MARIA ENRICA MARTINI A1 SILVERIO TOMAO A1 SERGIO MORINI A1 PIETRO MINGAZZINI YR 2004 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/3A/1603.abstract AB Background: Although E-cadherins have been involved in gastric carcinogenesis, their role in precancerous lesions, such as intestinal metaplasia, is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the role of both intestinal metaplasia and H. pylori infection on E-cadherin expression in gastric mucosa. Patients and Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with intestinal metaplasia were enrolled to assess E-cadherin expression in metaplastic areas. Twenty further patients without intestinal metaplasia, with and without H. pylori, were enrolled to evaluate the role of the infection on E-cadherin expression. All patients underwent upper endoscopy and gastric biopsies were taken for histological and immunohistochemical assessment. Results: A substantial reduction of E-cadherin expression in metaplastic areas was observed in 14 (67%) of the 21 patients, similarly in H. pylori-infected and uninfected patients (64% vs 71%, p=0.3). In the group without intestinal metaplasia, no reduction in E-cadherin expression was detected either in infected patients or in those without H. pylori infection. Conclusion: The data showed that intestinal metaplasia is associated with E-cadherin down-regulation, whereas H. pylori infection does not seem to play a direct role in this process. Copyright© 2004 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved