[Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway affects the protein expressions of caspase-3, XIAP and Grp-78 in hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective To investigate the relationship and significance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway with caspase-3, XIAP, HSP27and Grp-78. Methods The HCC cell line HepG2 was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against β-catenin. After 72 and 96 h, protein was extracted and the protein expressions of β-catenin, caspase-3, XIAP, Grp-78 and HSP27 were detected by Western blot. Results β-catenin protein expression was inhibited at both time points and the expression at 96 h was higher than that at 72 h (F = 160.72, P ＜ 0.01). Interestingly, Caspase-3 protein expression was decreased at 72 h and increased to normal at 96 h (F = 136.10, P ＜ 0.01), while p-caspase-3 protein expression increased at 72 h and decreased to normal at 96 h (F= 98.65, P ＜ 0.01). XIAP protein expression decreased at 72 h (F= 37.29, P ＜ 0.01)and increased at 96 h. Grp-78 protein expression increased at 72 h and decreased to normal at 96 h (F = 58.72, P ＜ 0.01). HSP27 protein expression showed no change following transfection (F = 1.91, P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is related to the protein expressions of caspase-3, XIAP and Grp-78, but not related to HSP27 protein expression in HCC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may participate in the regulation of HCC apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation through affecting these factors. Key words: Carcinoma,hepatocellular; Ribonucleosides; Signal transduction; Apoptosis; Heat-shock proteins; β-catenin