Differential expression of Scinderin and Gelsolin in gastric cancer and comparison with clinical and morphological characteristics

Gastric cancer is the first cause of cancer-related death in males and the second in female patients in Iran. Advanced cancer is usually associated with distant metastasis, which is uncontrollable. This study was conducted to compare the expression of Scinderin and Gelsolin genes between gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples in Iranian patients in order to better understand the role of these genes in this disease and to assess them as potential gastric cancer diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. This case-control study was conducted in 41 Iranian patients suffering from stage I to IV of Gastric Cancer diagnosed by pathologic and endoscopic tests. In this study, significant down-regulation of Gelsolin (p=0.001) and over-expression of Scinderin (p=0.001) were observed in tumor tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. The results of the present study showed decreased Gelsolin expression in patients above 40 years, while the relationship between Gelsolin expression and age was not significant; also, a significant increase was observed in Scinderin expression in patients above 40 years. Furthermore, Lymph node metastasis was observed in 59.52 % of the cases. The results showed that reduced Gelsolin and increased Scinderin expression were related to lymph node metastasis. Based on results, a significant association was observed between tumor size and Scinderin expression level. Furthermore, Gelsolin and Scinderin expressions were assessed in different grades and stages to determine the association of this gene with cancer progression. The result indicates significant alteration in Scinderin expression level of I and IV, II and IV, and III and IV stages. Although no significant association was observed between Scinderin expression level and GC grade, the mean Gelsolin expression showed a significant difference between grade II and III as well as grade I and IV. Based on our results, these genes would be potential biomarkers.