Objective        To determine the expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and Notch homolog 1 (Notch1) in Barrett’s esophageal tissues

and the effect of deoxycholic acid (DCA) on the expressions of the 2 molecules in human esophageal squamous epithelial Het-1A cells.       Methods        Immunohistochemical SP staining was applied to evaluate the levels of KLF4 and Notch1 in 49 samples of normal esophageal tissues

26 samples of esophagitis and 22 samples of Barrett’s esophageal tissues. After Het-1A cells were trea

ted with different concentrations of DCA for 4

8 and 12 h

the expressions of KLF4 and Notch1 at mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting

respectively.        Results        Immunohistochemical staining indicated that KLF4 was strongly expressed in the Barrett’s esophagus and esophagitis tissues compared with normal tissues

and its level was highest in the Barrett’s esophagus (

P

0.05)

but no obvious change was seen in the expression of Notch1 among the 3 kinds of tissue samples. RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that the mRNA and protein levels of KLF4 and Notch1 was enhanced in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HET-1A cells induced by DCA (

P

0.05).        Conclusion        DCA takes part in the transformation of normal esophageal epithelia to Barrett’s esophagus

probably through promoting the expression of KLF4 and Notch1.