Expression and significance of HIF-1α and ET-1 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Objective To explore the expression and the value of HIF-1α,and ET-1 in judging the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Methods The expression of HIF-1α, and ET-1 protein was examined in 76 GISTs by immunohistochemistry S -P methods. Results There was a positive correlation between the expression of HIF-1 α and ET-1 ( P 0.05 ). There was statistically sig-nificant difference in the expression of HIF-1 α and ET-1 in the following groups:among the three classes of very low-risk and low-risk, middle-risk, high-risk, bewteen the diameter 5 cm (P < 0.05). The more malignant degree and larger diameter, the more highly positive expression rate ( P < 0.05 ). The positive expression in the groups with infiltration and metastasis, and nuclear division ≥5/50 HP was sig-nificantly higher than the groups without infiltration and metastasis, and nuclear division < 5/50 HP (P < 0.05). Conclusion The expression of HIF-1α had a significant correlation with ET-1. HIF-1α,and ET-1 expression was closely related with the prognosis of GISTs,and can serve as important predictors for survival. Key words: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Hypoxia inducible factor 1 α; Endothelin-1; Immunohistochemistry