Prognostic value of the expression of Smad6 and Smad7, as inhibitory Smads of the TGF-beta superfamily, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

摘要

BACKGROUND: The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily regulates cell growth in various cells. Previous studies have shown that altered expression of TGF-beta receptors, Smad2 and Smad4, as mediators of TGF-beta superfamily signaling, contributes to tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The expression of Smad6 and Smad7 as negative regulators was examined, to investigate the further effects of TGF-B superfamily signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining with anti-Smad6 and anti-Smad7 polyclonal antibodies was performed on surgical specimens obtained from 115 patients with esophageal SCC. RESULTS: The expression of Smad6 and Smad7 was inversely correlated with depth of invasion in the early stages (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0173, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the expression of Smad6 and Smad7, and poor survival rate (p = 0.0078 and p = 0.0207, respectively). CONCLUSION: Smad6 and Smad7 expression affects the progression of early lesions of esophageal SCC and indicates a poor prognosis.