OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and integrin beta(1) in peritoneal mesothelial cells during laparoscopy-assisted radical gastrectomy(LARG) and to explore the possible effects of LARG on the peritoneal metastasis.

METHODSFrom April to August 2008, LARG was performed for 26 patients with gastric cancer (laparoscopy group), while 20 cases underwent open radical gastrectomy(open group). Peritoneum of right upper belly was collected at 3 operation time points(the beginning, 2 hours, 4 hours). The expressions of ICAM-1 and integrin beta(1) in peritoneal mesothelial cells at 3 time points were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSWith the operation prolonging, the expression of ICAM-1 and integrin beta(1) was increased gradually in both LARG and open groups. The expression of integrin beta(1) in two groups was obviously increased at 4-hour time point as compared to the beginning(P<0.05). Besides, there were no significant differences of these two adhesion molecules among the three operation time points between two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCompared with open surgery, LARG is not associated with a greater effect on the expression of ICAM-1 and integrin beta(1) in peritoneal mesothelial cells, and may not promote peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer through increasing the expression of adhesion molecule in peritoneal mesothelial cells.