Expression of beclin 1 in non-small cell lung cancer: an immunohistochemical study

Background Cigarette smoking causes a variety of adverse human health effects, including lung cancer. The molecular events associated with smoke-induced carcinogenesis are thought to be related in part to autophagy. Beclin 1 is an important autophagy-related protein involved in cell death and cell survival. Aim The purpose of this investigation was to determine the beclin 1 protein and its association with cigarette smoke and the mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Material and methodology Our study included 108 cases of non-small cell lung cancer who were admitted in our hospital. The beclin 1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry and EGFR mutation by direct sequencing. Results Beclin 1 expression could be detected in 15 (13.9%) of 108 specimens. These studies investigated that beclin 1 expression was associated with heavy smoking, the gender and the histological type of NSCLC (P = 0.023, 0.035 and 0.039). No association of beclin 1 with EGFR mutation was found (P > 0.05). Conclusion The results from these experiments indicate that heavy smoking may induce the beclin 1 protein in NSCLC.