J. Cancer Mol. 2: 73-77, 2006

[Research Paper] 

Expression of Heat Shock Proteins HSP10, HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 in Urothelial Carcinoma of Urinary Bladder

Francesco Cappello, Sabrina David, Nella Ardizzone, Francesca Rappa, Lorenzo Marasà, Fabio Bucchieri, and Giovanni Zummo

Human Anatomy Section, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy [F. Cappello, S. David, N. Ardizzone, F. Bucchieri, G. Zummo]; Division of Pathological Anatomy, “ARNAS Civico” Hospital, Palermo, Italy [F. Rappa, L. Marasà]

Abstract:

AIM: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have essential roles in a number of pathophysiologic conditions including carcinogenesis and represent a group of novel molecular markers in cancer management.  The aim of this study is to explore the expression status of HSPs in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) patients.

METHODS: The immunohistochemical staining of HSP10, HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 were done in 46 vesical BUC patients with different grades (G) and stages (T).  Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether there was any correlation between tumoral HSP expression and both G and T of tumors.

RESULTS: We found a significant correlation between high grading (G ≥ 2) and tumor tissues positive for HSP10 and HSP90 staining (P < 0.001).  Moreover, the positive immunostaining of HSP70 was significantly linked with G3 tumors (P < 0.001), but HSP27 or HSP60 expression was not related with the G level of tumor.  There was a significant correlation between higher T stages (T > 1) and tumor tissues expressing HSP70 (P < 0.001); in contrast, the number of tumor cells having HSP60 expression was significantly decreased in T > 1 tumors (P < 0.005).  No relationship was found between tumoral T status and HSP10, HSP27 and HSP90 expression.  Finally, we found a significant correlation between the high-graded (G ≥ 2) neoplasms and the percentage of tumoral cells positive for HSP10, HSP27, HSP70, or HSP90 (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSION: This is the first report to show the presence of HSP10 in bladder cancer tissues, with its expression correlated to the tumoral grading.  These data may also be valuable for developing new molecular anti-cancer therapies.

Received 1/5/06; Revised 2/15/06; Accepted 2/21/06.

¹Correspondence: Dr. Francesco Cappello, Via alla Falconara 120, 90136 – Palermo – Italy. Fax: +39-091-6553518.  E-mail: francapp@hotmail.com

²Abbreviations: BUC, urothelial carcinoma of bladder; T, tumor stage; G, tumor grade; HSP, heat shock protein.