OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of hepatitis B-virus X gene (HBX) in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and determine its clinical significance.

METHODSBetween June 2008 and October 2012, in-hospital patients with salivary gland tumors who were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Kunming Medical University, were enrolled to this study. HBeAb-positive patients were defined as those exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) or harboring persistent HBV infection regardless of being HBeAg positive or negative. According to the pathological results, all patients were divided into ACC group and control group. Immunohistochemical staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect HBX expression in ACC group and control group.

RESULTSHBX expression was mostly detected in the cytoplasm of ACC cells. Minimal HBX expression was detected in the nucleus. HBX expression was significantly higher in ACC than in Warthin's tumor. A significant difference was observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONHBX is expressed in ACC and may be associated with the development of ACC. HBX might serve important functions in the carcinogenesis and development of ACC.