Activation of beta-catenin pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma negatively correlates to AFP and CD-44 expression

Background: Studies on HCC cell lines has recently highlighted connection between nuclear shift of b-catenin protein indicative of mutation and absent or weak AFP expression. Further, recent data indicate that HCCs associated with activation of the wnt pathway and downregulated AFP expression possess a better prognosis. Aim: We wished to characterize b-catenin nuclear translocation in 37 human HCCs and surrounding liver samples and correlate to CD-44 and AFP expression. Material and methods: 37 human HCC samples were examined by immunohistochemistry for b-catenin, AFP and CD-44 expression. 16 HCC samples were se…