Expression and Significance of Integrin α3β1 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective To study the correlation between expression of integrin α3β1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC）and clinicopathologic conditions. Methods Immunohistochemical assay was used to determine the expression of integrin α3β1 in ESCC(135 cases)，normal esophagus tissues(40 cases). Results In ESCC，the positive rate of integrin expression was significant higher(82.96%，112/135) than that in normal esophagus tissues(12.5%，5/40)(P＜0.001).The expression of integrin α3β1 was correlated to TNM stages，depth of tumor invasion and regional lymph node metastasis. Conclusion The up-regulation of integrin α3β1 in ESCC promoted invasion and metastasis of tumor cells.The expressions of integrin α3β1 could be applied as a cogent indicator clinically to assess the malignant grade of ESCC，and predict prognoses of the patients.