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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 7, 2007; 13(29): 4002-4005
Published online Aug 7, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i29.4002
Effect of endothelin-1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invasion and its correlation with cathepsin B
Wen-Jie Jiao, Jing Xu, Hao Pan, Tian-You, Yi Shen
Wen-Jie Jiao, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
Jing Xu, Yi Shen, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Committee of Disciplinary Inspection, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
Hao Pan, Tian-You Wang, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100050, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Wen-Jie Jiao, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8, Xishiku Street, Beijing 100034, China. jiaowenjie@163.com
Telephone: +86-10-66551122-2417
Received: January 18, 2007
Revised: February 5, 2007
Accepted: April 7, 2007
Published online: August 7, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effect of endothelin-1 in the invasion of esophageal cancer and determine whether cathepsin B plays a role in the course.

METHODS: Western blotting was employed to detect the expression of ET-1 protein in 75 samples of esophageal squamous cell cancer and matched normal esophageal mucosa. Bosentan, a dual ET (A/B)-receptor antagonist, was used to inhibit the binding of endothelin-1 and its receptors and cut down its biological role. In vitro matrigel invasion assays were made to show the invasive ability of esophageal cancer cells with and without bosentan. Subsequently, we evaluated cathepsin B activity and expression in EC9706 cell with and without bosentan.

RESULTS: We found 74.7% (56/75) tumors had an overexpression of ET-1 protein by Western blotting. Bosentan significantly inhibited matrigel invasion of cancer cells in vitro. EC9706 cells have a positive expression of cathepsin B protein, and bosentan can down-regulate its expression and activity.

CONCLUSION: Endothelin-1 may enhance the invasive ability of human esophageal cancer cells, and its role is correlated with cathepsin B.

Keywords: Esophageal tumor; Endothelin; Cathepsin; Invasion