The controversial expression of SOX2 in gastric cancer and its correlation with Helicobacter pylori infection: A meta-analysis

Background: The expression of sex-determining region Y (SRY)-like high-mobility group (HMG) box 2 (SOX2) in gastric cancer and the prognosis of patients are controversial. This study analyzed the relationship between SOX2 expression and baseline data, clinicopathological parameters, prognosis, and Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastric cancer, and provided new supplements for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. Methods: The articles which reported SOX2 expression in gastric cancer from medical database was collected. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, SpringerLink, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases, which were written in English and Chinese. Results: A total of 32 articles, including 4641 gastric cancer patients. The results showed that SOX2 expression in gastric cancer group was lower than that in the para-cancerous control group (P < .001). Statistical difference was found between the SOX2 expression and differentiation (Well/Moderate vs Poor), TNM stage (I/II vs III/IV), lymphatic invasion (N0 vs N+), edge infiltration (R0 vs R1), and H pylori infection in the pathological parameters. The prognosis analysis showed that the level of SOX2 expression was unrelated to the overall survival of patients (P = .329). No statistical difference was observed between the SOX2 expression and the baseline data of the patients (all P > .05). Conclusions: Although downregulation expression of SOX2 are related to clinicopathological parameters in gastric cancer, which is not correlated with prognosis. This controversy over the expression of SOX2 will provide a new idea for the study of gastric cancer.