Identification of γ-Synuclein as a Stage-Specific Marker in Bladder Cancer by Immunohistochemistry

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the expression level of γ-synuclein (SNCG) is associated with progression of many different malignant tumors. In this study, we discuss and assess the prognostic ability of SNCG in bladder cancer. MATERIAL/METHODS: Medical records (2005–2013) were retrospectively reviewed for the population of interest. SNCG expression was identified immunohistochemically from bladder cancer tissues of 113 bladder cancer patients. The survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for analysis of predictors of bladder cancer. RESULTS: SNCG was overexpressed in bladder cancer tissues compared with the normal bladder tissues (p<0.0001). SNCG expression in bladder cancer tissue was strongly related to tumor stage. However, SNCG level was not a prognostic factor of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that SNCG is highly expressed in bladder cancer tissue and its expression is stage-specific, but it is not helpful for predicting outcome in bladder cancer patients.