Expression and clinical implication of PRL-1 and PRL-3 in transitional cell carcinoma of bladder

The mRNA and protein expression of phosphatase of regenerating liver 1 (PRL-1) and phosphatase of regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3) in transitional cell carcinoma of bladder (BTCC) and normal epithelia of bladder was investigated, and the relationship between the BTCC and pathological changes was clarified. The expression of PRL-1 and PRL-3 mRNA was detected by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 30 cases of BTCC and 10 cases of normal bladder, and the expression of PRL-1 and PRL-3 protein was checked by using immunohistochemistry in 30 cases of BTCC and 15 cases of normal bladder. The expression levels of PRL-1 and PRL-3 mRNA and protein were higher in BTCC than those in normal bladder epithelia (P < 0.05). The increased expression of PRL-1 and PRL-3 mRNA and protein was detectable in deep invasion and metastasis of BTCC (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between the expression of PRL-1 and PRL-3 and gender, age or recurrence of BTCC (all P > 0.05). A significantly positive correlation was found between PRL-1 and PRL-3 in BTCC (P < 0.05). PRL-1 and PRL-3 are expressed consistently and may contribute to the growth, differentiation, invasion and metastasis of BTCC. © Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH 2009.