Background/aims: Maspin is a member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors known to have tumor suppressor activity. However, molecular aspects in carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer remain largely unclear. Previously we reported for the first time that maspin is induced in the course of gastric carcinogenesis. In the present study we evaluated maspin induction in gastric adenocarcinoma in relation to a number of clinicopathologic feature.
Methodology: Maspin expression was examined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining in 82 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Results: In Western blot analysis, gastric specimens of tumor showed increased maspin expression compared with corresponding normal tissues in 54 of 82 patients (66%). Tumor shows increased maspin expression compared with normal tissue in 81.1% of stage IV patients and 83.3% of N3 patients. The frequency of maspin induction was associated with the stage of gastric cancer (p = 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.03). There was no significant association between maspin induction and Helicobacter pylori infection.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that maspin may have an important role in the progression and metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma.