Correlation of N-Ras Gene Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Color Doppler Ultrasound Findings

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to study the N-ras gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its correlation with color Doppler imaging manifestations. Methods: The tumors of 145 HCC patients were evaluated via color Doppler ultrasonography before operation and N-ras level in tissue specimens obtained after operation were detected via RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry along with correlation analysis. Results: N-ras mRNA in para-carcinoma tissues was significantly reduced compared with carcinoma tissues (P < 0.05). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry showed a significant difference of N-ras protein level between para-carcinoma tissues and carcinoma tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, N-ras gene expression was siginificantly correlated with the number of tumor nodules, the integrity of tumor capsule, vascular invasion, blood flow classification, RI (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate the elevation of N-ras in the carcinoma tissues of HCC patients and its correlation with color Doppler imaging manifestations, which lays foundation for the development of the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.