The expression alteration of Golim4 (Gpp130) and its prognostic value in epithelial ovarian cancer

BackgroundAmong common cancers in women, ovarian cancer has the lowest incidence; however, mortality rates are more than other gynecological cancers due to the lack of specific symptoms during early stages and absence of diagnostic markers. Golgi integral membrane protein 4 (GOLIM4) is a member of transporter complex which is located to the cis/medial of Golgi, and its role in tumor is unknown. In this study we aimed to assess the expression of Golim4 (GPP130) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. MethodsThe expression levels of Golim4 in 58 malignant EOC specimens and 11 benign and normal control tissues were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Non-parametric survival analysis was estimated by using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. Parametric survival analysis was evaluated through multivariate Cox regression analysis and generalized Gamma survival model. ResultOur findings showed that Golim4 was significantly down-regulated in Serous Papillary type of EOC tissue specimens than in non-cancerous tissues (P<0.001); however; the expression of Golim4 in total EOC tissue specimens revealed non-significant up-regulation. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test have suggested that EOC patients with low Golim4 expression have shorter overall survival when compared with patients with other expression groups (log-rank test P<0.05). Semi-parametric Cox proportional hazards model indicated that the status of Golim4 were independent predictor of overall survival in patients with EOC. Correlation analysis has been done by Spearman Rank correlation coefficient.