Background and purpose: Primary carcinoma of the gallbladder (PCG) is a malignant tumor with extremely high mortality

and the mechanism of its malignant transformation is not yet clear. Previous studies found abnormal expression of p57

KIP2

in a variety of human malignant

tumors. This study aimed to analyze the expressions of p57

KIP2

cyclin D1 and cyclin E in PCG and their clinical significances. Methods: The mRNA expression and protein levels of p57

KIP2

cyclin D1 and cyclin E in 60 cases of PCG

20 cases of adenoma of the gallbladder (AG) and 20 cases of chronic cholecystitis (CC) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTFQ-PCR) and immunohistochemistry

respectively. Results: The mRNA expression and protein levels of p57

KIP2

in PCG

AG and CC increased gradually

and there were significant differences among the three groups (P0.05). The mRNA expression and protein levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin E in PCG

AG and CC decreased gradually. The difference between PCG and AG

or between PCG and CC was statistically significant. In PCG tissues

the protein expression of p57

KIP2

was associated with clinical stage

histological grade and node metastasis (P0.05). The protein level of cyclin D1 was associated with clinical stage (P0.05). There was a negative correlation between the expressions of p57

KIP2

and cyclin D1

or p57

KIP2

and cyclin E. However

the correlation between cyclin D1 and cyclin E expressions was positive (P0.05). Conclusion: Reduced level of p57

KIP2

and overexpression of cyclin E may be one of the mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis of PCG. p57

KIP2

cyclin D1 and cyclin E were independent prognostic factors for PCG.