【Abstract】ObjectiveTo investigate the expressions of hTERT mRNA and BRCA1 protein and to analyze the correlation between these two factors in breast cancer. MethodsThe expression of hTERT mRNA was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of BRCA1 protein was examined by immunohistochemistry. ResultsThe positive rates of hTERT mRNA and BRCA1 protein were 72.1%（31/43） and 34.9%（15/43） in breast cancer tissue, were 5.0%(2/40) and 77.5%(31/40) in paracancerous breast tissue respectively. Significant difference existed between breast cancer tissue and paracancerous breast tissue (P＜0.05). Significant negative correlation existed between the expression of BRCA1 protein and expression of hTERT mRNA （r=-0.995, P＜0.01）. ConclusionThe expression of hTERT mRNA is upregulated in breast cancer, and expression of BRCA1 protein is downregulated in breast cancer. BRCA1 protein expression may be associated with expression of hTERT mRNA in breast cancer, which may be involved in the carcinogenesis of breast cancer.
