Diagnostic performance of VEGF-D for lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a meta-analysis / Desempenho diagnóstico do VEGF-D para linfangioleiomiomatose: meta-análise

ABSTRACT Objective: VEGF-D is a potential biomarker for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM); however, its diagnostic performance has yet to be systematically studied. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify primary studies on VEGF-D in relation to the diagnosis of LAM. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy were pooled using a bivariate random effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore possible heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to rate the quality of evidence and indicate the strength of recommendations. Results: Ten studies involving 945 patients were of high risk in quality, as assessed using the QUADAS-2. The pooled diagnostic parameters were indicated as follows: sensitivity = 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71-0.90); specificity = 0.98 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99); and diagnostic OR = 197 (95% CI, 66-587). The AUC of summary ROC analysis was 0.98. The subgroup and sensitivity analyses revealed that the overall performance was not substantially affected by the composition of the control group, prespecified cutoff value, the country of origin, or different cutoff values (p > 0.05 for all). A strong recommendation for serum VEGF-D determination to aid in the diagnosis of LAM was made according to the GRADE. Conclusions: VEGF-D seems to have great potential implications for the diagnosis of LAM in clinical practice due to its excellent specificity and suboptimal sensitivity.

RESUMO Objetivo: O VEGF-D é um potencial biomarcador para linfangioleiomiomatose (LAM); entretanto, seu desempenho diagnóstico ainda não foi sistematicamente estudado. Métodos: Foram realizadas buscas nos bancos de dados PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science e Cochrane Library para identificar estudos primários sobre o VEGF-D com relação ao diagnóstico de LAM. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada por meio da ferramenta Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). As estimativas sumárias de acurácia diagnóstica foram combinadas utilizando um modelo bivariado de efeitos aleatórios. Análises de subgrupo e de sensibilidade foram realizadas para explorar possíveis heterogeneidades. O sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) foi aplicado para avaliar a qualidade das evidências e indicar a força das recomendações. Resultados: Dez estudos envolvendo 945 pacientes eram de alto risco em qualidade, segundo a ferramenta QUADAS-2. Os parâmetros diagnósticos combinados foram indicados da seguinte forma: sensibilidade = 0,82 (IC95%: 0,71-0,90); especificidade = 0,98 (IC95%: 0,94-0,99); e OR diagnóstica = 197 (IC95%: 66-587). A ASC da análise summary ROC foi de 0,98. As análises de subgrupo e de sensibilidade revelaram que o desempenho global não foi substancialmente afetado pela composição do grupo controle, valor de corte pré-especificado, país de origem ou diferentes valores de corte (p > 0,05 para todos). Uma forte recomendação para a dosagem de VEGF-D sérico para auxiliar no diagnóstico de LAM foi feita de acordo com o sistema GRADE. Conclusões: O VEGF-D parece ter grandes implicações potenciais para o diagnóstico de LAM na prática clínica em virtude da excelente especificidade e sensibilidade subótima.

Association Between c-Met and Lymphangiogenic Factors in Patients With Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Animal models show a strong relationship between lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. However, the clinical significance of lymphangiogenesis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the association between c-Met and lymphangiogenic factors and to elucidate the prognostic significance of c-Met in patients with CRC. METHODS: A total of 379 tissue samples were obtained from surgically resected specimens from patients with CRC at Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital between January 2002 and December 2010. The expressions of c-Met, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D, VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3, and podoplanin were examined using immunohistochemistry. The expression of c-Met and clinical factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 379 tissues, 301 (79.4%) had c-Met expression. High expression of c-Met in tumor cells was significantly associated with high expression of VEGF-C (P < 0.001) and VEGFR-3 (P = 0.001). However, no statistically significant association with podoplanin (P = 0.587) or VEGF-D (P = 0.096) was found. Of the 103 evaluable patients, expression of c-Met in tumor cells was significantly associated with advanced clinical stage (P = 0.020), positive lymph node status (P = 0.038), and high expression of VEGF-C (P = 0.020). However, no statistically significant association with podoplanin (P = 0.518), VEGFR-3 (P = 0.085), VEGF-D (P = 0.203), or overall survival (P = 0.360) was found. CONCLUSION: Our results provide indirect evidence for an association and possible regulatory link of c-Met with the lymphangiogenic markers, but c-Met expression in patients with CRC is not a prognostic indicator for overall survival.

Benzodiazepine-Associated Carcinogenesis: Focus on Lorazepam-Associated Cancer Biomarker Changes in Overweight Individuals

OBJECTIVE: Cellular, animal, and human epidemiological studies suggested that benzodiazepines increase the risk of cancer and cancer mortality. Obesity is also clearly linked to carcinogenesis. However, no human studies have examined benzodiazepine-associated carcinogenesis as assessed by changes in cancer biomarkers. METHODS: A total of 19 patients were recruited, and received a 6-week treatment of 0.5 mg lorazepam. The measured cancer biomarkers were angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), soluble CD40 ligand, epidermal growth factor, endoglin, soluble Fas ligand (sFASL), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), insulin-like growth factor binding protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-18, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PLGF), placental growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, urokinase-type plasminogen (uPA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. RESULTS: Six cancer biomarkers were significantly increased in all patients as a whole. The subgroup analysis revealed a distinct pattern of change. Overweight patients showed a significant increase in 11 cancer biomarkers, including ANG-2, sFASL, HB-EGF, IL-8, PLGF, TGF-α, TNF-α, uPA, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. However, normal-weight patients did not show any changes in cancer biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Adiposity may have primed the carcinogenic potential, leading to lorazepam-associated carcinogenesis in overweight patients. Epidemiological studies addressing this issue should consider the potential modulator contributing to benzodiazepine-associated carcinogenesis.

Value of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 levels combined with serum TSH in diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate serum vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 levels in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and analyze their relation with the clinicopathological and thyroid function of the patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum samples and the data of thyroid function were collected from 55 patients with PTC and 24 with benign thyroid tumor (BT). ELISA was used to detect VEGF-C/D and VEGFR-3 concentration in the serum samples and their relation with the thyroid function was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 levels were significantly higher in PTC group than in BT group (P<0.05), but VEGF-D level was comparable between them (P>0.05). In PTC patients, the elevation of serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 levels was associated with an advanced clinical stage (III-IV), elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, an age over 45 years, and a tumor diameter exceeding 2 cm (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Patients with lymph node metastasis had significantly higher VEGF-C level but lower VEGF-3 level than those without metastasis regardless of gender. Serum VEGF-D level was higher in PTC patients with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05) and elevated TSH level (P<0.01) without association with the clinical stage, tumor diameter, age, or gender. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of serum VEGF-C, VEGFR-3 and TSH was 0.803, 0.734 and 0.707 respectively (P<0.01), and that of VEGF-D was 0.556 (P>0.05); when combined, serum VEGF-C, VEGFR-3 and TSH showed an AUC of 0.862 (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Detecting serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 levels combined with TSH may enhance the early diagnosis rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma.</p>

Metastasis via Peritumoral Lymphatic Dilation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

PURPOSE: Nodal metastasis is the main prognostic factor in the patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We investigated the association between tumor-associated lymphatics and OSCC characteristics. METHODS: Thirty-four specimens were used for the immunohistochemical staining with the antibody for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D, VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3, phosphorylated VEGFR-3, D2-40, and matrix metallproteinases (MMPs). We observed the distribution of the lymphangiogenic factors and quantified the degree of expression. We determined lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and lymphatic vessel dilatation with D2-40 immunostaining. We assessed the association of LVD or lymphatic vessel dilatation with tumor progression or tumor differentiation. RESULTS: OSCC cells expressed lymphangiogenic ligands. Lymphangiogenic receptor, VEGFR-3, was expressed and activated in some tumor cells as well as in tumor-associated endothelial cells. LVD was not associated with tumor size or nodal status, but lymphatic vessel dilatation was higher in tumors with nodal metastasis, and also higher in poorly differentiated tumors. In stromal area of OSCC, MMP-1 and MMP-10 were up-regulated and the basement membrane of tumor-associated endothelial cells was destroyed by these collagenases. CONCLUSION: In the primary tumors with nodal metastasis, especially in poorly differentiated OSCC, tumor cells invaded the dilated lymphatic vessels via ruptured sites. MMP-1 and MMP-10 are important in the lysis of the glycocalyx inside the tumor-associated lymphatic endothelial cells.

The VEGF signaling pathway in cancer: the road ahead / 癌症

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of soluble protein growth factors consists of key mediators of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the context of tumor biology. The members of the family, VEGF-A (also known as VEGF), VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and placenta growth factor (PlGF), play important roles in vascular biology in both normal physiology and pathology. The generation of a humanized neutralizing antibody to VEGF-A (bevacizumab, also known as Avastin) and the demonstration of its benefit in numerous human cancers have confirmed the merit of an anti-angiogenesis approach to cancer treatment and have validated the VEGF-A signaling pathway as a therapeutic target. Other members of the VEGF family are now being targeted, and their relevance to human cancer and the development of resistance to anti-VEGF-A treatment are being evaluated in the clinic. Here, we discuss the potential of targeting VEGF family members in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor D in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue and its significance / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of VEGF-C mRNA in tumor tissues and non-cancer tissues from 39 ESCC patients in our hospital from March 2009 to February 2010 was detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) method. The expression of D2-40 was detected by immunohistochemistry,and microlymphatic vessel density (MLVD) was determined by lymphatic endothelial specific marker D2-40. The associations of VEGF-C mRNA expression with clinical data and MLVD were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Positive ISH VEGF-D mRNA was observed in tumor tissue samples of 22 cases (56.4%, 22/39) and non-cancer tissue sample of 1 case (2.6%, 1/39), whose difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression of VEGF-D mRNA in ESCC was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis [92.9% (13/14) vs. 36.0% (9/25), P<0.05] and MLVD [(8.20±1.22) vs. (5.31±0.97), P<0.01], but not significantly associated with age, sex, pathological grade and depth of infiltration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VEGF-D can promote lymphatic metastasis of ESSC by induction of lymphangiogenesis.</p>

STAT3, a Poor Survival Predicator, Is Associated with Lymph Node Metastasis from Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression in breast cancer and to analyze the detailed mechanism that STAT3 contributes to the progression of breast cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics and overall survival (OS) of 140 breast cancer patients after curative surgery, and detected STAT3 expression, phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) expression, Ki-67 expression, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and -D expression in breast cancer tissues, and adjacent nontumor tissues. Survival analysis and relationship analysis were adopted for demonstrated the important mechanism of STAT3 contribution to progression of breast cancer. RESULTS: STAT3 expression, pSTAT3 expression, Ki-67 expression, VEGF-C expression, and VEGF-D expression in breast cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent nontumor tissues, respectively. With survival analysis, only number of lymph node metastasis (N stage) was identified as the independent predictors of the OS of breast cancer patients. Besides, we demonstrated there was the most prominent correlation between STAT3 expression and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer tissues by using the multinominal regression method. CONCLUSION: STAT3, a poor survival biomarker potential association with lymph node metastasis, was suitable for predication the OS of breast cancer patients after curative resection.

Interleukin 7 and its receptor promote cell proliferation and induce lymphangiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the mechanism of interleukin 7/interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7/IL-7R) in promoting cell proliferation and inducing lymphangiogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vivo and in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical study for IL-7, IL-7R, cyclin D1 and vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) was carried out in NSCLC tissues from 95 patients. The relationship between IL-7/IL-7R expression and various parameters was analyzed. The mechanism of IL-7/IL-7R in promoting cell proliferation and inducing lymphangiogenesis was studied by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, reverse transcriptase-PCR, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and nude mice experiments with xenograft tumors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>IL-7 (63.2%, 60/95), IL-7R (61.1%, 58/95), cyclin D1 (52.6%, 50/95) and VEGF-D (58.9%, 56/95) showed that high level of expression in NSCLC. IL-7/IL-7R over-expression correlated with cyclin D1 expression (P < 0.01, P < 0.01), VEGF-D expression (P < 0.01, P < 0.01), increased lymphovascular density (P = 0.005, P = 0.013), advanced clinical stage (P = 0.008, P = 0.005) and presence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). IL-7/IL-7R could promote proliferation of A549 cell, increase cyclin D1 and VEGF-D expression, and enhance c-Fos/c-Jun expression and phosphorylation, resulting in formation of heterodimer. Furthermore, IL-7/IL-7R could induce binding of c-Fos/c-Jun to cyclin D1/VEGF-D promoters and regulate their transcription. IL-7/IL-7R could also promote proliferation and lymphangiogenesis of lung cancer xenograft tumors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IL-7/IL-7R promotes c-Fos/c-Jun expression and activity in NSCLC. This further facilitates cyclin D1 expression and accelerates proliferation of cells and VEGF-D-induced lymphovascular formation.</p>

Avaliação dos efeitos da doxiciclina sobre o bloqueio de metaloproteinases e na evolução funcional das pacientes com linfangioleiomiomatose / Evaluation of treatment with doxycycline over metalloproteinase blockage and functional assessment in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis

A Linfangioleiomiomatose (LAM) é uma rara afecção, caracterizada pela substituição do parênquima pulmonar por cistos, resultando em prejuízo na troca gasosa e progressiva piora funcional. A patogênese da formação dos cistos permanece incerta, mas tem sido associada à hiperreatividade de metaloproteinases (MMP), principalmente MMP-2 e -9. Neste estudo foram avaliados os efeitos da doxiciclina, um potente inibidor de MMP, sobre a eficácia no bloqueio dos níveis sérico e urinário das MMP-2 e -9 após 12 meses de tratamento, bem como sobre os parâmetros funcionais das pacientes com LAM. Foi delineado um ensaio clínico prospectivo, não randomizado e não controlado, no qual as pacientes com LAM receberam doxiciclina (100 mg/dia) por 12 meses, realizando avaliações nos meses basal, 6 e 12 mês, através de prova de função pulmonar completa, teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M), questionário de qualidade de vida (SF-36) e coleta de amostras de urina e sangue para dosagem das MMP-2 e -9. No total, 31 pacientes, com idade média (DP) de 43 (8) anos e diagnóstico estabelecido de LAM, receberam doxiciclina durante 12 meses. Após análise, observou-se bloqueio efetivo sobre a MMP-9 urinária, sendo a mediana (IQ) pré-doxiciclina de 10.487 pg/mL (4.565-20.963) e de 4.061 pg/mL (712-9.985) após 12 meses de doxiciclina (p<0,001). A MMP-2 sérica foi igualmente bloqueada, sendo a mediana (IQ) basal de 0 pg/mL (0-833) e de 0 pg/mL (0-179) após 12 meses (p=0,005). Não houve mudança significativa na MMP-9 sérica e os níveis urinários de MMP-2 não foram detectados nas pacientes. Na análise funcional, apesar de ter havido declínio de 70 mL na média do VEF1 das 31 pacientes, após 12 meses de tratamento, observou-se dois grupos distintos funcionalmente e em relação à qualidade de vida. Estes grupos foram obtidos de acordo com a variação do VEF1, sendo o primeiro grupo compreendido por 13 pacientes, em que o VEF1 permaneceu estável ou aumentou (G1), e o segundo com 18...

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease, characterized by substitution of lung parenchyma by cysts, resulting in impairment in the gas exchange and progressive functional worsening. The pathogenesis of development of cysts remains uncertain, but has been associated to overexpression of metalloproteinases (MMP), especially MMP-2 and -9. In this study, there have been analyzed the MMP-2 and MMP-9 blockage in the urine and blood of LAM patients, after doxycycline administration during 12 months, as well as on functional and quality of life parameters of LAM patients. A prospective clinical trial, non randomized and uncontrolled, has been designed, in which LAM patients have received doxycycline (100mg/day) for 12 months, and underwent pulmonary function tests, six-minute walk test (6MWT), quality of life assessment and blood and urine samples for MMP-2 e -9 dosage, undergoing evaluation in months basal, 6th and 12th. Overall, 31 patients mean age (SD) 43 (8) with established diagnosis of LAM have received doxycycline for 12 months. After analysis, it was observed an effective blockage over urinary MMP-9 levels, with a pre-doxycycline median (IQ) of 10,487 pg/mL (4,565-20,963), and 4,061 pg/mL (712-9,985) after 12-month doxycycline administration (p<0.001). The serum MMP-2 has been as well blocked with a basal median (IQ) of 0 pg/mL (0-833), and 0 pg/mL (0-179) after 12 months (p=0.005). There was no significant difference in serum MMP-9 levels, and urinary MMP-2 levels were untraceable. During functional parameters analysis, although there was a mean decline of 70 mL in FEV1 in the 31 patients after doxycycline treatment, we noticed two different groups concerning to the assessment of function tests and quality of life. These groups were obtained according to FEV1 variation; the first group comprised 13 patients in which the FEV1 increased or remained stable (G1), and the second group comprised 18 LAM patients in which FEV1 decreased (G2)...

Plasma levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in patients with newly diagnosed lymphomas / 中国实验血液学杂志

The objective of this study was to detect the expression levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in plasma of newly diagnosed lymphoma patients, and analyze their possible relationships with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. The expression levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in plasma from 86 newly diagnosed lymphoma patients were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As a results, the multivariate analysis showed that VEGF-C level in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients was low, but high in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients; VEGFR-2 level was higher in patients > 60 years, while VEGF-D level was lower in patients with IPI > 2. The univariate analysis showed that VEGF-D level was lower in patients with IPI > 2, while VEGF-D and VEGF-C levels were higher in patients without B symptoms. Relationship analysis between these factors indicated that the relation of VEGF-D expression level with VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 was positive. It is concluded that VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 play important roles in the pathogenesis of lymphoma, and may be used as indicators of prognosis evaluation or even guide for the antiangiogenesis treatment of lymphoma.

Endothelial progenitor cell transplantation decreases lymphangiogenesis and adverse myocardial remodeling in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction

Cardiac lymphatic system in the remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been overlooked. We wanted to investigate the role of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and their contribution to lymphatic distribution in myocardial remodeling after AMI. Mouse (C57bl/6J) MI models were created by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and were treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or EPCs. Real-time RT-PCR with 2- to 4-week myocardial tissue samples revealed that lymphangiogenetic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C (8.5 fold, P < 0.05), VEGF-D (6.1 fold, P < 0.05), Lyve-1 (15 fold, P < 0.05), and Prox-1 (11 fold, P < 0.05) were expressed at significantly higher levels in the PBS group than the EPC group. The PBS group also showed a significantly higher density of lymphatic vessels in the peri-infarction area. Echocardiography showed that from 2 weeks after the treatment, left ventricle (LV) dimensions at both systole and diastole were significantly smaller in the EPC group than in the PBS group (P < 0.01) and LV fractional shortening was higher in the EPC group accordingly (P < 0.01). Lymphangiogenic markers increased in a mouse MI model. EPC transplantation decreased lymphangiogenesis and adverse ventricular remodeling after AMI. These novel findings suggest that new lymphatic vessels may be formed in severely damaged myocardium, and may be involved in adverse myocardial remodeling after AMI.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON EXPRESSION OF LYMPHANGIOGENIC FACTORS IN ORAL CANCER

Expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in gastric carcinoma and its relationship with lymph node metastases / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C and D in gastric cancer and its relationship with tumor angiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.@*METHODS@#Immunohistochemistry(SABC) and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D protein and mRNA in 32 gastric cancer tissues and 32 normal gastric tissues.@*RESULTS@#The positive expression rate of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in gastric cancer tissue was significantly higher than that of normal gastric tissues (P0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The non-intake high expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in gastric cancer cells is closely related to lymph node metastasis. They serve as the important reference indicator to assess the prognosis in gastric cancer patients.

Expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D and their correlation with lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in gallbladder carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D and their correlations with lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in gallbladder carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty cases of gallbladder carcinoma with complete clinical and pathological data were analyzed. The expression of VEGF-C and -D, D2-40, CD31 was assayed by immunohistochemical staining, with 10 samples of normal gallbladder tissues away from cancer and 19 samples of chronic cholecystitis as controls, and their correlation with clinicopathological findings were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-two (64.0%) of the 50 gallbladder cancers were positive for VEGF-C protein expression by immunohistochemistry and the positive rate of VEGF-D protein expression was 62.0% (31/50). The protein expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal gallbladder tissues away from the tumor (P < 0.05), but no correlation with that in chronic cholecystitis (P < 0.05). The VEGF-C expression correlated with the patient age and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0.05). The VEGF-D expression only correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In the 50 gallbladder cancers, the MLVD was 6.9 + or - 3.6 and the MVD was 36.1 + or - 12.8. The MLVD in both VEGF-C and -D positive groups was significantly higher than that in the negative groups (P = 0.000), and the lymph node metastasis also increased. MVD in both VEGF-C and -D positive groups was higher than that in the negative groups (P < 0.05), and it was also correlated with tumor differentiation (P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was also found between VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression (r = 0.498, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VEGF-C and VEGF-D are involved in the lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in gallbladder carcinoma, promote lymph node metastasis of the tumor, and both are important in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in this cancer. VEGF-C and VEGF-D are of clinical significance in evaluating lymph node metastatic potency and estimation of prognosis in gallbladder carcinoma.</p>

Expression and significance of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in differentiated thyroid carcinoma / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#VEGF-C,D are known to be capable of inducing proliferation of lymphatic endothelia cell and development of lymphatic vessels, so we investigated the expression of VEGF-C,D in the differentiated thyroid carcinoma tissues microarray in order to understand the significance mechanism of cervix lymphatic metastasis of thyroid cancer.@*METHOD@#A tissue microarray containing 71 specimens was constructed, including normal thyroid tissues, thyroid adenoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma with and without lymphatic metastasis, follicular thyroid carcinoma. VEGF-C, D protein expression was detected with immunohistochemistry.@*RESULT@#The expression of VEGF-C,D were not observed in normal thyroid tissues and adenoma tissues. The expression of VEGF-C,D in papillary thyroid carcinoma was significantly higher than those in follicular thyroid carcinoma (P < 0.05) and adeno ma tissues (P < 0.01). The expression of VEGF-C,D in papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymphatic metastasis was significantly higher than those in papillary thyroid carcinoma without lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#By inducing proliferation of lymphatic endothelia cell and development of lymphatic vessels, VEGF-C,D contributed to lymphatic metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Gene Expression for Lymphangiogenic Factors in Oral Mucosal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Expression of Placenta Growth Factor in the Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

0.6, P < .05). 2. In the PlGF gene RT-PCR analysis, PlGF expression was more in tumor tissue than in adjacent normal tissue. Paired-samples analysis determined the difference of PlGF mRNA expression level between the cancer tissue and the normal tissue (Student's t - test, P < .05) These findings suggest that up-regulation of the PlGF gene may play a role in progression and local metastasis in invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Comparative Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A, C, D Expression in Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the correlations between expressions of angiogenic cytokines VEGF-A, C, D of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastasis. METHODS: We examined paraffin-embedded primary colorectal cancer tissue from 45 patients who had liver resection due to colorectal liver metastasis (metastasis group) and 37 patients who had surgical resection due to colorectal cancer only (control group). In the control group, local recurrence and distant metastasis had not occurred. Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF-A, C and D was performed. We analysed the correlations between expression of VEGF-A, C and D in primary colorectal cancer tissues and clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS: VEGF-A expressions of primary colorectal carcinoma were not different between the two groups. VEGF-C was more frequently expressed in the metastasis group (P=0.008) but VEGF-D was more expressed in the control group (P=0.003). Patients with VEGF-C negative and VEGF-D positive expression were predominant in the control group (P=0.020). Tumor location, T stage, lymph node metastasis and tumor differentiation were not related with the expressions of VEGF-A, C, D but only preoperative CEA was positively correlated with VEGF-A and C expression. CONCLUSION: Expressions of VEGF-C in primary tumor were more frequent in metastatic colorectal cancer and expressions of VEGF-D were more frequent in nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. More large-scale prospective studies for VEGF-C and D expression in colorectal cancer are necessary.