[Expressions of p53 pathway genes and EZH2 in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expressions of p53 pathway genes and EZH2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods: The expression levels of p53, mdm2, p63 and EZH2 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry in 47 cases of undifferentiated NPC and 12 cases of chronic nasopharyngitis, and their correlation to the clinical parameters and prognosis were analyzed.

Results: The protein expressions of p53, mdm2, p63 and EZH2 in NPC were 31.9%, 85.1%, and 95.7%, respectively. mdm2 and EZH2 was not correlated to p53 protein expression (P>0.05); positive correlations was found between EZH2 and p63 expressions and between p53 and p63. The high expression of EZH2 and p63 proteins was correlated to advanced T stage and clinical stage of NPC (P<0.05). The five-year disease-free survival rate in patients with high EZH2 protein expression was significantly lower than that in patients with low EZH2 expression.

Conclusion: mdm2 does not show an obvious correlation to p53 protein inactivation in NPC. p63 protein overexpression may be associated with p53 protein inactivation. The overexpression of EZH2 is correlated to NPC progression and poor prognosis.