The expression of Aquaporin-1 and Aquaporin-3 in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and their clinicopathological significance

The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression and clinicopathological significance of Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC).Immunostaining of AQP1 and AQP3 was performed by EnVision immunohistochemistry in benign and malignant biliary tract tissues.The expression of AQP1 and AQP3 protein were significantly higher in EHCC tumor tissues (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Adenoma and paracancerous tissues with positive AQP1 and/or AQP3 protein expression exhibited atypical hyperplasia. AQP1 expression was positive correlated with AQP3 expression in EHCC (P < 0.01). TNM I + II stage and radical surgery, the positive expression of AQP1 and AQP3 In patients with well-differentiation, no invasion, no lymph metastasis, is lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Average overall survival time of those with positive expression of AQP1 and AQP3 was significant shorter (P < 0.01). Both AQP1 and AQP3 positive expressions were proved to be an independent prognostic factors in EHCC by cox multivariate analysis. The AUC calculated for AQP1 was 0.769 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.618-0.920), and that for AQP3 was 0.758 (95%CI: 0.605-0.911, while that for AQP1 and AQP3 was 0.825 (95%CI: 0.658-0.991).Positive expression of AQP1 and AQP3 is closely related to the pathogenesis, severe clinicopathological characteristics, aggressive biological behaviors, and dismal prognoses in EHCC.