Do the expressions of gap junction gene connexin messenger RNA in noncancerous liver remnants of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma correlate with postoperative recurrences?

Table 4 Comparison of recurrence, death, recurrence, free interval and survival between different levels of Cx 32 mRNA in noncancerous liver tissues.

Outcome	Group A (n = 64)	Group B (n = 15)	P
Recurrence (number) (%)	49 (76.6)	6 (40.0)	0.0107
Death1 ( number) (%)2	25 (39.0)	1 (6.7)	0.0002
Recurrence free interval (median, mo)	8.5	43	0.0595
Duration of survival (median, mo)	11.5	41.5	0.062
	Variables	P	OR
	Recurrence
	Vascular permeation	0.0002	5.36
	Cellular dedifferentiation	0.0203	4.18
	Incomplete or absent capsule	0.016	3.1
	Lower Cx 32 mRNA in liver remnant	0.0203	4.18
	Lower Cx 26 mRNA in liver remnant	0.088	2.29
	Higher Cx 43 mRNA in liver remnant	0.071	2.38
	Death
	Vascular permeation	<0.0001	8.35
	Lower Cx 32 mRNA in liver remnant	0.0333	3.8
	Lower Cx 26 mRNA in liver remnant	0.124	2.1
	Higher Cx 43 mRNA in liver remnant	0.0866	2.4

Note: Low Cx 32 mRNA: <0.800 (group A), high Cx 32 mRNA: ≥0.800 (group B), Death1 : patients died of HCC recurrence. 2: percent of recurrence patients.