Clinical Prognostic Values of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Microvessel Density,and p53 Expression in Esophageal Carcinomas

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to play a key role in tumor angiogenesis. The tumor-suppressor gene p53 has been thought to regulate VEGF. We investigated the effect of VEGF on esophageal carcinoma and the correlation between VEGF and p53. Tissue samples were taken from 81 patients with esophageal carcinoma after surgery. VEGF and p53 expressions were examined by immunohistochemical staining. Microvessels in the tumor stained for CD34 antigen were also counted. VEGF and p53 expressions were observed in 51.3% (41/80) and 51.9% (41/79), respectively. The microvessel density was 70.9+/-6.7 (mean+/-SE) in VEGF-positive group and 68.7+/-5.1 in VEGF-negative group. However, no correlation was noted between VEGF and p53 expression. Whereas the tumor size, nodal status, depth of invasions, and tumor stage were associated with poor overall survival, VEGF expression or p53 expression was not. These results indicate that VEGF and p53 are highly expressed in esophageal carcinomas. Since the VEGF expression is not correlated with the p53 expression, microvessel density or clinicopathological findings, further studies with other angiogenic molecules are needed to determine the role in esophageal carcinomas.

3D-reconstruction of right portal vein / 한국간담췌외과학회지

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Thorough knowledge of hepatic anatomy is essential in liver surgery. Recent development of computer technology has allowed three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of radiological images. We evaluated the right portal veins by 3D-reconstruction and determined the numbers and directions of the segmental branches to provide a readily understandable portal branching pattern. METHODS: CT arterial portography(CTAP) data from 11 hepatoma patients were reconstructed threedimensionally in a computer workstation. The images were rotated from top(U90) to bottom(D90) and from right lateral(R90) to left lateral (L90), and the 3rd portal branches were matched and their course was determined. RESULTS: The direction of right portal trunk was right(R) 105(5/7 patients) - R 90(2/7 patients) and 0 - up(U) 15 in 5/7 patients(pt). The most common directions of R anterior trunk, VIII, V, R posterior trunk, VII, VI segmental portal branches were R60(6/10 pt) & U15(5/10), R 135(5/10) & U60(5/10), R30-75 & down(D)15-60(9/10), R105-120(6/10) & D15-30(8/10), R165(6/11) & U15(6/11), R105(6/11) & D30-45(8/11). The numbers of VIII & V branches visualized were 1(4),2(6),3(1) & 1(5),2(5),3(1). The numbers of VI branches were 1(5),2(4),4(1). The VII branch always branched into lateral and medial branches. Simple branching patterns were obtained on posterior segmental branches. The anterior segmental branches were somewhat variable. CONCLUSION: 3D-reconstruction of portal veins allowed accurate assessment of segmental branches and their spatial relationship was readily understandable. It would be helpful in planning and simulation of surgery.