Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in mice

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and its receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3, are responsible for lymphangiogenesis in both embryos and adults. In epilepsy, the expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 was significantly upregulated in the human brains affected with temporal lobe epilepsy. Moreover, pharmacologic inhibition of VEGF receptors after acute seizures could suppress the generation of spontaneous recurrent seizures, suggesting a critical role of VEGF-related signaling in epilepsy. Therefore, in the present study, the spatiotemporal expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 against pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) was investigated in C57BL/6N mice using immunohistochemistry. At 1 day after SE, hippocampal astrocytes and microglia were activated. Pyramidal neuronal death was observed at 4 days after SE. In the subpyramidal zone, VEGF-C expression gradually increased and peaked at 7 days after SE, while VEGFR-3 was significantly upregulated at 4 days after SE and began to decrease at 7 days after SE. Most VEGF-C/VEGFR-3-expressing cells were pyramidal neurons, but VEGF-C was also observed in some astrocytes in sham-manipulated animals. However, at 4 days and 7 days after SE, both VEGFR-3 and VEGF-C immunoreactivities were observed mainly in astrocytes and in some microglia of the stratum radiatum and lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus, respectively. These data indicate that VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 can be upregulated in hippocampal astrocytes and microglia after pilocarpine-induced SE, providing basic information about VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 expression patterns following acute seizures.

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.

Identification of high-affinity VEGFR3-binding peptides through a phage-displayed random peptide library / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) interaction with its receptor, VEGFR-3/Flt-4, regulates lymphangiogenesis. VEGFR-3/Flt-4 expression in cancer cells has been correlated with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and lymphatic invasion. The objective of this study is to identify a VEGFR-3/Flt-4-interacting peptide that could be used to inhibit VEGFR-3 for ovarian cancer therapy. METHODS: The extracellular fragment of recombinant human VEGFR-3/Flt-4 (rhVEGFR-3/Flt-4) fused with coat protein pIII was screened against a phage-displayed random peptide library. Using affinity enrichment and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening, positive clones of phages were amplified. Three phage clones were selected after four rounds of biopanning, and the specific binding of the peptides to rhVEGFR-3 was detected by ELISA and compared with that of VEGF-D. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses of ovarian cancer tissue sections was undertaken to demonstrate the specificity of the peptides. RESULTS: After four rounds of biopanning, ELISA confirmed the specificity of the enriched bound phage clones for rhVEGFR-3. Sequencing and translation identified three different peptides. Non-competitive ELISA revealed that peptides I, II, and III had binding affinities for VEGFR-3 with Kaff (affinity constant) of 16.4+/-8.6 microg/mL (n=3), 9.2+/-2.1 microg/mL (n=3), and 174.8+/-31.1 microg/mL (n=3), respectively. In ovarian carcinoma tissue sections, peptide III (WHWLPNLRHYAS), which had the greatest binding affinity, also co-localized with VEGFR-3 in endothelial cells lining lymphatic vessels; its labeling of ovarian tumors in vivo was also confirmed. CONCLUSION: These finding showed that peptide III has high specificity and activity and, therefore, may represent a potential therapeutic approach to target VEGF-VEGFR-3 signaling for the treatment or diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

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.

Association between baseline VEGF/sVEGFR-2 and VEGF/TSP-1 ratios and response to metronomic chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide and celecoxib in patients with advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) with cyclophosphamide (Cy) and celecoxib (Cel) has therapeutic efficacy and low toxicity profile in advanced breast cancer patients (ABCP), but no reliable biomarkers of response have been found yet that allow patient selection for treatment. AIM: To investigate the potential role as biomarkers of pro‑ and antiangiogenic parameters and evaluate their response in ABCP receiving metronomic Cy 50 mg p.o./day + Cel 400 mg p.o./day. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor‑C (VEGF‑C), soluble VEGF receptors 2 and 3 (sVEGFR‑2, sVEGFR‑3), were measured at different time points in 13/15 patients included in a phase II trial of MCT with Cy+Cel. RESULTS: Serum levels of sVEGFR‑2 and sVEGFR‑3 increased significantly during treatment (P = 0.0392; P = 0.0066, respectively). VEGF‑C showed no significant modifications. Previous determinations of VEGF and TSP‑1 in the same patients were utilized. VEGF/sVEGFR‑2, VEGF/TSP‑1, and VEGF‑C/sVEGFR‑3 ratios decreased significantly along the treatment (P = 0.0092; P = 0.0072; P = 0.0141, respectively). Nonsignificant variations were observed for VEGF‑C/sVEGFR‑2 ratio. Baseline values of VEGF/sVEGFR‑2 and VEGF/TSP‑1 ratios were associated with time to progression (TTP) (P = 0.0407; P = 0.0394, respectively) meanwhile baseline VEGF was marginally significant (P = 0.0716). Patients with values lower than the 50th percentile for both ratios showed longer TTP. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified the baseline VEGF/sVEGFR‑2 and VEGF/TSP‑1 ratios as potential biomarkers of response in ABCP treated metronomically with Cy+Cel. This finding warrants its confirmation in a higher number of patients.

Effect of Lymphangiogenic Factors on Survival in a Murine Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Expression of molecular markers detected by immunohistochemistry and risk of lymph node metastasis in stage T1 and T2 colorecrectal cancers / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the molecular risk factors of lymph node metastasis in stage T1 and T2 colorectal cancers by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry techniques.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and three patients with stage T1 and T2 colorectal carcinoma who underwent radical surgery from 1999 to 2010 in our department were included in this study. Their clinicopathological data were retrospectively analyzed. Expression of the following 14 molecular markers were selected and assayed by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry: VEGFR-3, HER2, CD44v6, CXCR4, TIMP-1, EGFR, IGF-1R, IGF-2, IGFBP-1, ECAD, MMP-9, RKIP, CD133, MSI. Chi-squared test and logistic regression were used to evaluate the variables as potential risk factors for lymph node metastasis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive expression rates of biomarkers were as following: VEGFR-3 (44.3%), EGFR (30.5%), HER-2 (28.1%), IGF-1R (63.5%), IGF-2 (44.8%), IGFBP-1 (70.9%), ECAD (45.8%), CD44v6 (51.2%), MMP-9 (44.3%), TIMP-1 (41.4%), RKIP (45.3%), CXCR4 (40.9%), and CD133 (49.8%). The positive rate of MSI expression was 22.2%. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that VEGFR-3, HER-2, and TIMP-1 were significant predictors of lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that CD44v6 and CXCR4 were significant significant predictors of lymph node metastasis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>VEGFR-3, HER2 and TIMP-1 are independent factors for lymph node metastasis in stage T1 and T2 colorectal cancers.</p>

Anti-tumor Effects of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 Inhibitor on Oral Cancer Cells

Inhibitory effect of nimesulide and oxaliplatin on tumor growth and lymphatic metastasis of transplanted human lung cancer in nude mice / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was designed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of nimesulide in combination with oxaliplatin on tumor growth, expression of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin, and lymphatic metastasis in lung cancer xenograft in nude mice, and to discuss the possible synergistic effect of nimesulide in combination with oxaliplatin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human lung cancer A549 cells were injected into BALB/c nude mice subcutaneously. Thirty-three healthy male nude mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, nimesulide group, oxaliplatin group and nimesulide combined with oxaliplatin group. Transplanted tumor tissues were collected and the expressions of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin, β-catenin protein were detected by immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR assay was used to assess the expression of tumor COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin mRNA. SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Data were present as (x(-) ± s), and the means were compared by analysis of variance test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Tumor inhibition rates of the nimesulide group, oxaliplatin group and nimesulide + oxaliplatin group were 39.73%, 48.04% and 65.94%, respectively. Immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analysis showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin of the nimesulide group were significantly reduced (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, statistical analysis of variance showed that the expression levels of COX-2, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 of the oxaliplatin group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the expression levels of survivin and β-catenin protein and mRNA of the oxaliplatin group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin of the nimesulide + oxaliplatin group were significantly reduced (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both nimesulide alone or in combination with oxaliplatin can significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer xenografts in nude mice and the expression levels of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin. Oxaliplatin can significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer xenografts in nude mice, and the expression of survivin and β-catenin. Nimesulide in combination with oxaliplatin enhances the antitumor effect of oxaliplatin.</p>

Inhibition of Lymphatic Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor in a Murine Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

An Experimental Study for Mouse Lymphedema Model / 대한혈관외과학회지

PURPOSE: Lymphedema is a disease with a poorly understood pathogenesis and without definite ways of treatment, yet it can lead to serious complications. The purpose of this study was to establish a new lymphedema mouse model and to evaluate its usefulness for future studies. METHODS: A lymphedema model was created by interrupting flow from the superficial lymphatic system (skin and subcutaneous tissue removal, electrocautery) and the deep lymphatic system (hindlimb muscle resection, dye injection, and inguinal lymph node dissection). The lymphedema group (n=10) was compared to a control group (n=10) by assessing the differences in hindlimb edema, through the use of a water displacement volumetry method. In addition, lymphoscintigraphy, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Volumetric analysis showed that the lymphedema group had a 2-fold increase in swelling compared to the control group at study day 3; this gradually decreased to normal levels after 8 weeks. Staining showed an increase in fibrosis in the lymphedema group, as well as an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3, a receptor specific for lymphatic cells. RT-PCR showed that there was increased expression of the lymphatic cell specific markers, Prox-1 and podoplanin, in the distal portion of the hindlimb. Lymphoscintigraphy showed retention of lymphatic flow after 30 minutes, however, eventually all of the radioactive substance drained out from the hindlimb. CONCLUSION: Our method for creation of lymphedema in mice was effective in creating acute lymphedema. However it failed to retain its edematous properties for long periods of time. Further studies are needed to create a novel method of chronic lymphedema.

Twist modulates lymphangiogenesis and correlates with lymph node metastasis in supraglottic carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Twist is a highly conserved epithelial-mesenchymal transcription factor that has been reported to be a key factor in tumor malignancy, including lymph node metastasis. It represents the major step of dissemination and serves as a chief prognostic indicator of disease progression. However, the mechanism by which Twist regulates lymph node metastasis remains incompletely understood. Studies on the mechanism of metastasis are thus required for determining appropriate therapeutic strategies.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry for lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor 1 (LYVE-1), Ki-67, Twist, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) was performed to detect lymphatic vessel density (LVD), cell proliferation levels and the expressions of Twist, VEGF-C, and VEGFR-3 were determined from 66 primary supraglottic carcinoma tissue samples from 36 patients with lymph node metastasis (pathological N+, pN+) and 30 patients without metastasis (pathological N0, pN0). Western blotting analysis of the proteins in pN+ and pN0 primary tumors was used to characterize the expressions of Twist, VEGF-C, and VEGFR-3 further.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The LVD was 22.4 ± 10.3 in pN+ patients and 6.8 ± 4.1 in pN0 ones. For Ki-67, the number of proliferous cells in pN+ patients was greater than that in pN0 ones. Both, however, were associated with their clinical nodal stages. In pN+ patients, Twist, VEGF-C, and VEGFR-3 expressions were 86.11% (31/36), 80.56% (29/36), and 58.33% (21/36), respectively. These values were higher than those found for pN0 patients (i.e., 13/30, 11/30, and 7/30, respectively) (P < 0.05). Among the samples with Twist expression, 88.64% were VEGF-C-positive and 59.09% were VEGFR-3-positive. The pN0 counterparts were 4.55% and 9.09%, respectively (P < 0.05). The expressions of Twist, VEGF-C, and VEGFR-3 in pN+ patients obtained through Western blotting analysis were significantly higher than those in pN0 patients, and the levels of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were positively correlated with that of Twist.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Twist expression correlates with lymph node metastasis. The mechanism involved in such a correlation may be related to lymphangiogenesis.</p>

Correlation of the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 to the pathological grade of prostate cancer / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation of the expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 to the pathological grade of human prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in 25 cases of prostate cancer tissues.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total positivity rates of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were 80% and 76% in these cancer tissues, respectively. The positivity rates of VEGF-C was 94.7% in the 19 cases with Gleason scores no less than 6 (group I), significantly higher than the rate (33%) in the 6 cases with Gleason scores between 4 and 6 (group II) (P<0.01). The positivity rates for VEGFR-3 also showed a significant difference between groups I and II (89.5% vs 33.3%, P<0.05). The expression level of VEGF-C was correlated to the Gleason score of prostate cancer (R=0.436, P<0.05), and the correlation between VEGFR-3 and the Gleason score was even more obvious (R=0.608, P<0.01). Their expressions, however, did not show any correlations to the patients age, PSA or the volume of the prostate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 may serve as new markers for evaluating the malignancy of prostate cancer with Gleason score not less than 4.</p>

Intervention of rukangyin on the lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer metastasis nude spontaneous mouse model / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of rukangyin (RKY) on the lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer transplantation tumor mice, thus exploring its anti-tumor metastasis mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435S were in situ implanted into the mammary fat pad of 30 female nude mice to establish breast cancer transplantation tumor spontaneous metastasis model. They were randomly divided into six groups, i.e., the model control group, the 5-FU control group, the small, medium, large dose RKY groups, and the medium dose RKY +5-FU group, 5 in each. Normal saline was given to mice in the model control group at the daily dose of 0.4 mL/kg by gastrogavage. 5-FU was given to mice in the 5-FU control group at the daily dose of 30 mg/kg by peritoneal injection. RKY was given to mice in the small, medium, large dose RKY groups at the daily dose of 18, 45, and 90 g/kg by gastrogavage. 5-FU 30 mg/kg (by peritoneal injection) + RKY 45 g/( kg x d) (by gastrogavage) was given to mice in the medium dose RKY +5-FU group. All medication was carried out once daily for 6 successive weeks. The tumor volume, the tumor inhibition ratio, and the inhibition ratio of axillary lymph node metastasis were detected after medication. The lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) of the breast cancer tissues were detected using immunohistochemical assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model control group, the tumor volume was markedly reduced in the small, medium, large dose RKY groups, and the medium dose RKY +5-FU group, the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were significantly down-regulated and LMVD were obviously lowered, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The inhibition rates of tumor and axillary lymph node metastasis were highest and the LMVD was the lowest in the medium dose RKY +5-FU group, showing statistical difference when compared with other medication groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>RKY might inhibit the lymph node metastasis of breast cancer possibly through intervening the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3, and suppressing lymphangiogenesis.</p>

Lymphatic metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the common type of malignancy in head and neck area and it metastasis into the regional lymphnodes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the detection of this metastasis via lymphatic channels around the tumor or via newly formed lymphatics inside the tumor. This case series included twenty patients specimens with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. They were evaluated for lymphangiogenesis by using Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 3 and KI67 immunohistochemical markers and then the data was correlated with clinicopatological criterias. High intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic densities were both found significantly associated with the poor histological differentiation [Exact test p= 0.023]. There was no association between intratumoral lymphatic density, peritumoral lymphatic density and the presence of lymph node metastasis, location of the tumor, age, and sex. There was however a significant association between intratumoral lymphatic density and peritumoral lymphatic density [Fisher exact test p=0.001]. This study reveals the existence of intratumoral and peritumoral proliferating lymphatics, but these lymphatics have no correlation with the lymph node metastasis in all the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cases such as larynx and oral cavity

Effect of xiaotan sanjie recipe on expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in nude mice with transplanted human gastric adenocarcinoma cell MKN-45 / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the mechanism of Xiaotan Sanjie Recipe (XSR) in inhibiting lymphatic metastasis of gastric carcinoma by observing its effects on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptor VEGFR-3 in nude mice with transplanted human gastric adenocarcinoma cell MKN-45.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty mice were made into MKN-45 tumor model and randomly divided into three groups treated with saline, 5-Fu, and XSR, respectively. Gene and protein expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in the tumor tissue were detected by RT-PCR, and the lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) in tumor was measured with immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the group treated with saline, the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 as well as LMVD level were significantly lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the group treated with XSR. There was no significantly statistic difference between the group of XSR and 5-Fu on the indices mentioned above (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>By down-regulating the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 might be one of possible mechanisms for XSR in preventing and curing the lymphatic metastasis of gastric carcinoma.</p>

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.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON EXPRESSION OF LYMPHANGIOGENIC FACTORS IN ORAL CANCER

Expression of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in papillary renal cell carcinoma and their relationship with prognosis / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of VEGF receptors in papillary renal cell carcinoma and to explore the correlation between their expression and clinical prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Expression of VEGF receptors and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) were evaluated in 82 patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma using tissue microarray and SP immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of VEGFR-1 in papillary renal cell carcinoma was 82.93%, VEGFR-2 63.41%, VEGFR-3 34.15% and PCNA 67.07%, respectively. Increased VEGFR-2 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.016), histological grade (P = 0.034) and distant metastasis (P = 0.002). VEGFR-3 expression was correlated with histological grade (P = 0.028), lymph node status (P = 0.010) and distant metastasis (P = 0.018), but not correlated with gender, age, location, tumor size and TNM staging. VEGFR-1 expression had no correlation with any clinic and pathologic factors. PCNA expression was correlated with histological grade (P = 0.011), but not correlated with other factors. The expression of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in death cases were higher than that in surviving patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 can serve as markers for prognosis of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Differently, VEGFR-3 is a predictor of lymph node metastasis, increased VEGFR-2 expression could be used to predict a potential blood dissemination.</p>