Background: Wnt5a, p-JNK and p-paxillin proteins have been shown to be associated with the development of several types of cancer. Here we studied the role of Wnt5a, p-JNK and p-paxillin protein expressions and functions in the further development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Methods: Fresh tissue samples from adjacent and malignant portions were obtained after operation from 58 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Wnt5a, p-JNK1, JNK1, paxillin and p-paxillin were detected with immunohistochemical staining.
Results: The expressions of Wnt5a, p-JNK1 and p-paxillin were higher in malignant tissues than in adjacent portions (p < 0.01), where JNK1 and paxillin were absent (p > 0.05). The expression levels of Wnt5a, p-JNK1 and p-paxillin in tumor tissues were correlated with each other (r = 0.564, 0.586 and 0.737, respectively). The expression of Wnt5a in tumor tissue could independently predict the occurrence of lymph node involvement [odds ratio (OR) 8.19, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.47-27.19]. The expression of p-JNK1 in tumor tissue was an independent predictor of peritoneal metastasis (OR 4.01, 95 % CI 1.32-12.17).
Conclusion: Wnt5a/JNK signaling might be activated in pancreatic cancer. Wnt5a is the specific predictor for lymph node involvement.