No abstract

p<0.0001, p<0.0001, and p<0.0004, respectively), whereas ADCs and SCCs revealed significant differences in claudins-3,-4, and -7 expressions (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, and p<0.0053, respectively). However, comparison of ADCs with SCLCs revealed significant difference only in claudin-2 expression (p<0.0002). The comparison of ADCs and carcinoids resulted in significant differences regarding claudins-1,-3, and -4 expressions (p<0.0006, p<0.0001, and p<0.0001, respectively). SCCs and SCLCs varied in respect to claudins-2,-3, and -4 expressions (p<0.0009, p<0.0001, and p<0.0019, respectively), whereas SCCs and carcinoids showed different claudin-1 and -4 expressions (p<0.0076, and p<0.0045, respectively). RT-PCR analysis revealed parallel changes in the mRNA and protein expression of certain claudins. Conclusions: The observed distinct claudin expression profile within the non-small cell lung cancer group, further, the marked differences between SCLCs and carcinoids may have differential diagnostic impact, and the overexpression of certain claudins might have therapeutic implications.