The Relationship between Expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1alpha or Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Histopathological Characteristics in Human Transitional Bladder Cancer / 대한비뇨기과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: HIF-1alpha(Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha) and VEGF(vascular endothelial growth factor) have been reported to be involved in tumor growth and metastasis but little data concerning their role in transitional bladder cancer is available and few studies have yet evaluated their prognostic values. The aim of the present study was to assess HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression and to evaluate the relationship between HIF-1alpha/ VEGF and histopathologic characteristics in bladder tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HIF-1alpha and VEGF immunohistochemical stainings were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissues from 27 transitional bladder cancer tissues and from 4 normal bladder tissues as a control group. Interpretation of immunohistochemical staining was performed semi-quantitatively by one pathologist. RESULTS: Expressions of HIF-1alpha and VEGF tended to be higher in the patient group than in the control group. HIF-1alpha expression was correlated with VEGF expression. HIF-1alpha and VEGF tended to be positively correlated with pathologic stage and grade of transitional bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression might be independent predictors of outcome, as well as stage and grade of transitional bladder cancer. This study suggests that HIF-1alpha and VEGF may be potential prognostic factors in bladder cancer.