Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic values of the detection of mRNAs of GA733 gene family in exfoliated cells of pleural and peritoneal effusions.
Methods: Sixty specimens of pleural and peritoneal fluids from 60 patients were collected. GA733-1 and GA733-2 mRNA in the exfoliated cells were detected by qualitative RT-PCR, and their diagnostic values were assessed. Patients Sixty patients with pleural or peritoneal effusions, from May 2003 and August 2004, aged 23-85 (average 56.5 years).
Results: GA733-1 and GA733-2 mRNA were positive in 5 (13.9%) and 27 (75.0%) of 36 malignant specimens, and in 1 and 7 of 11 cause-unknown specimens, respectively, but both of them were negative in all 13 benign specimens, and the difference of GA733-2 mRNA positive rates among the three groups was significant (P<0.005), but that of GA733-1 mRNA was not (P>0.05). GA733-1 and GA733-2 mRNA were positive in 4 (15.4%) and 22 (84.6%) of 26 cytological positive specimens, and in 1 and 6 of 6 suspicious specimens, and in 1 (3.5%) and 6 (21.4%) of 28 negative specimens, respectively and the difference of GA733-2 mRNA positive rates among the three groups was significant (P<0.005), but that of GA733-1 mRNA was not (P>0.05). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of detection for GA733-2 mRNA for diagnosis of malignant effusions were 75.0%, 100% and 81.6%, respectively.
Conclusions: The detection of GA733-2 mRNA by qualitative RT-PCR is sensitive and highly specific for the diagnosis of malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions, while the diagnostic value of GA733-1 mRNA needs to be further investigated.