OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of inhibiting factor of cell cycle regulation p27^kip1, retinoblastinoma protein (Rb protein), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) on the genesis and progression of human pancreatic cancer.
METHODS: The expression of p27^kip1, Rb protein and PCNA in the tumor tissue and adjacent tissue of 32 patients with pancreatic cancer was detected by SP immunohistochemical technique.
RESULTS: The p27^kip1 protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissue of pancreatic cancer was 56.25%, which was lower than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). p27^kip1 protein positive-expression was correlated significantly with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The Rb gene protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissue was 50%, which was also lower than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). The PCNA positive-expression rate was 71.87%, which was higher than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). PCNA positive-expression was also correlated significantly with tumor cell differentia- tion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The decreased expression of p27^kip1, Rb protein and over-expression of PCNA may play an important role in the genesis and progression of pancreatic cancer.