Expression of Trx-1, HIF-1α and their associations with clinicopathological parameters in gastric cancer

Abstract

AbstractBackground Although it is only a small redox protein, Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) can have a significant impact in many biological processes. In recent years, studies on the increased Trx-1 expression in different solid tumors have gradually increased, but its clinical and diagnostic significance in gastric cancer (GC) have not been confirmed. HIF-1α (Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α) plays an active role in many tumors’ metabolism, while the relevance between its expression levels and clinical value in GC remains to be investigated. Methods: Western blot (WB) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to detect HIF-1α and Trx-1 mRNA and protein level in 20 freshly frozen GC and corresponding normal-tissues. In addition, the protein level of Trx-1 and HIF-1α in 162 GC were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) test. The relevance between HIF-1α and Trx-1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics in GC was assessed as well. And Cox proportional risk model was applied to determine independent prognostic indicators. Results: When HIF-1α level increased, the Trx-1 mRNA and protein levels increased obviously in GC tissues, and they both were related to a bad prognosis (P < 0.001). There was an obvious positive relevance (r = 0.578, P = 0.000) between Trx-1 and HIF-1α expressions. Through multivariate analysis, for GC prognosis, Borrmann type, Trx-1 and HIF-1α were independent predictors (P < 0.001). Conclusion For GC patients, both Trx-1 and HIF-1α may be prospective prognostic indicators and therapeutic target.