The overexpression of
DJ-1 protein and its secretion into the bloodstream has been reported in various
neoplasms. However, serum levels and the subcellular localization of DJ-1 have not been analyzed in detail in
bladder cancer (BC). Our comprehensive analysis of these variables started with the measurement of DJ-1 in serum from 172 patients with BC, 20 patients with
urolithiasis and 100 healthy participants. Next, an immunohistochemical study of DJ-1 expression and localization was conducted in 92 patients with BC, and associations with clinicopathologic factors and patient outcomes were evaluated. Serum DJ-1 was significantly higher in patients with BC than in those with
urolithiasis or in healthy participants. Immunohistochemically, a cytoplasm-positive (Cy+) and nucleus-negative (N-) DJ-1 pattern was associated with age and pathologic stage. Log-rank tests indicated that the Cy+, N- pattern was significantly associated with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and
cancer specific survival (CSS). In addition, the Cy+, N- pattern was an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis adjusted for the effects of the clinicopathologic outcomes. The investigation of DJ-1 expression might help physicians to make decisions regarding further follow-up and additional treatments.