The human epididymis protein 4 acts as a prognostic factor and promotes progression of gastric cancer

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), represented as an epididymis-specific gene and designated a WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (WFDC2), is amplified in many tumors. However, little is known about its clinical significance and biological function in gastric carcinomas. We found that HE4 was more commonly observed in gastric carcinoma tissues than in normal tissues and was significantly correlated with Lauren classification, TNM stage, and tumor size by immunohistochemistry. The overall survival rate of patients with HE4 low expression was significantly higher than that of the patients with HE4 high expression. In addition, silencing of HE4 expression inhibits cell proliferation and migration and enhances cell apoptosis. Subsequent studies reveal that the Src, Akt, and Erk1/2 signaling may be involved with pro-survival and anti-apoptotic effects of the HE4 on gastric cancer cells. Taken together, this study provides new evidence on promotive effects of the HE4 on gastric cancer progression and indicates that HE4 might be a promising prognostic factor for gastric cancer diagnosis.