The expression of E-cadherin and laminin in hydatidiform mole and its significance

Objective: To study the expression of E-cadherin and laminin in hydaditiform mole and its significance. Methods: The expression of E-cadherin and laminin in 74 cases of hydatidiform mole patients was investigated by using immunohistological staining method. Results: 53.3% of hydatidiform mole cases showed normal expression of E-cadherin, but 80% showed over-expression of laminin. There was no significant relationship between expression of E-cadherin in hydatidiform mole and its clinical-pathological parameter; however, correlation existed between expression of laminin and gestational week of mole, but no relationship was found between laminin and pathological classification of mole. Conclusion: There might be some relation between the abnormal expression of E-cadherin and laminin with the development of mole. The combination of E-cadherin with laminin might be helpful to make the diagnosis of mole, and even be a useful marker to monitor the curative effect and judge the prognosis of the patients.