[Relationship between clinicopathologic characteristics and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in esophageal squamous cancer]

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2009 Mar;40(2):240-4.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between clinicopathologic characteristics and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C, D (VEGF-C and VEGF-D) in esophageal squamous cancer.

Methods: The tumor tissues were collected from 62 cases of esophageal squamous carcinoma, and 20 paracancerous tissues were used as control. The expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D were detected by immunohistochemical method, and the count of micro lymphatic density(MLD) was measured. We analyzed their relationships with tumor clinicopathologic characteristics.

Results: The expression rate of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in 62 cases of esophageal squamous carcinoma were 74% and 82%. MLD in tumor border tissue was obviously higher than that in the normal paracancerous tissue (5.387 +/- 4.986 vs. 1.900 +/- 2.245) (P < 0.05). The positive lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage were more common in the cases with higher expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D. There were significant associations of high MLD with high expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D, positive lymphod node status and advanced clinical stages. Expression levels of VEGF-C and VEGF-D correlated significantly with each other (r = 0.691, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: VEGF-C and VEGF-D might promote lymphatic metastasis by inducing lymphangiogenesis especially at the edge of esophageal squamous carcinoma tissue.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphangiogenesis / drug effects*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / metabolism*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D / metabolism*

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D