Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of splice variants of CD44 (CD44v) and the metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHCC) in humans.
Methods: The expression of metastasis-associated CD44v mRNA in 54 specimens of human PHCC was detected by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.
Results: CD44v mRNA was expressed in 50 (92.59%) of the 54 specimens of PHCC, with moderate or over expression in 42 (77.78%). Among the 42 specimens with moderate or over expression, deficient tumor capsules were found in 25 (59.52%), penetration of tumor capsule in 15 (35.71%), tumor emboli in the portal vein in 34 (80.95%), and daughter tumor nodules in 29 (69.05%). Meanwhile, 12 of the 54 specimens showed negative or weak expression of CD44v mRNA. Of them, all had tumor capsules, 1 (8.33%) had penetrated tumor capsule, 1 (8.33%) had tumor emboli in the portal vein, and 2 (16.67%) had daughter tumor nodules.
Conclusion: CD44v may contribute to the metastatic potential of PHCC.