Purpose:To investigate the status of p16 gene and its influence in p16 mRNA expression in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:The methylation status of p16 gene and expression of p16 mRNA were examined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and RT-PCR in twenty-five primary HCC and corresponding paracancerous tissue specimens.Results:Methylation was detected in 12 of 25 (52.0%) tumor tissue specinmens, while 6 of 25 (24.0%) in corresponding paracancerous tissue specimens. Loss of p16 mRNA expression was found in 19 specimens with methylated p16 gene,while expression of p16 mRNA was detected in 27 of 31 specimens with unmethylated p16 gene. There was significant difference in mRNA expression between specimens with methylated p16 and unmethylated p16.Conclusions:p16 gene methylation is a frequent event in HCC. The methylation of p16 gene might lead to loss of p16 mRNA expression. Detection of p16 gene methylation may be a useful marker in the molecular diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinomas.

Objective To investigate the co-transfection of p53 and angiostatin gene in the inhibition of SG7901. Methods Transfected the pVITRO2-hp53-hAS into SG7901 with lipofectamine.After transfection, RT-PCR were used to know whether the aimed gene had been transfected and expressed or not. Cell clones trial, MTT growth curve, cell cycle measuring were used to analyze the differences. Results The cells were suppressed by the two genes and inhibition of the combined genes is more powerful than single one. Conclusion The effection of combined genes pVITRO2-hp53-hAS on SG7901 is stronger than either single one. Combined-gene-therapy is a useful anti-carcinoma method.