Expression of ATAD2 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma and the clinical significance

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of ATAD2 in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). Methods The qRT-PCR, Western blottig and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of ATAD2 in HC and normal bile duct tissues, and the relationship between ATAD2 and the clinicopathological factors, prognosis was analyzed. Results The positive expression rate of ATAD2 in HC tissues was 70% (57/81), significantly higher than that of normal bile duct tissues 7%(2/30) (χ2=35.678, P<0.01), and ATAD2 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM staging (respectively χ2=28.619, 31.612, all P<0.01). The 1′-, 3′-, and 5-year survival rates of ATAD2 negative HC patients were 87.5%, 54.1%, and 33.3%, respectively. The 1′-, 3′-, and 5-year survival rates of ATAD2 positive HC patients were 40.3%, 14.0% and 1.7%, respectively (χ2=14.162, P<0.01). Univariate analysis and multivariate COX regression model analysis showed that microvascular invasion, lymph node metastasis and ATAD2 expression were independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with HC (respectively F=4.703, 4.961, 5.013, all P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of ATAD2 in HC increased, and the overexpression of ATAD2 was closely related to the occurrence, development, invasion, metastasis and poor prognosis of HC. Key words: Bile duct neoplasms; Neoplasm invasioness; Prognosis