The Expression and Prognosis of Caspase-9 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective: We aim to investigate the expression of Caspase-9 and its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The expression of Caspase-9 in 108 specimens of HBV-related HCC, 30 cases of cirrhosis tissue and 20 cases of normal liver tissue was examined by immunohistochemical staining. And we explored the relationship of Caspase-9 with clinicopathological parameters, 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in HCC patients. Results: Caspase-9 expression in HCC was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissue (χ2 = 4.349, P = 0.037). The expression of Caspase-9 was not different both between normal liver tissue and cirrhosis, cirrhosis and HCC (χ2 = 0.347, P = 0.556; χ2 = 2.713, P = 0.100). Caspase-9 expression in HCC was correlated with Edmondson grade and satellite nodule (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). Survival analysis showed that Caspase-9 expression was associated with OS and DFS (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: The expression of Caspase-9 correlated with the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC. Assessment the expression of Caspase-9 may predict the recurrence and survival of HCC patients.