ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the expression of cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61) in the distant metastatic tumor cells of human primary salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) and its relationship with tumor angiogensis and metastasis. STUDY DESIGN: The experimental group comprised 35 paraffin-embedded tumor specimens of distant metastasis from primary SACC, with their corresponding primary tumor tissues and matched normal salivary gland tissues used as the control groups. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of Cyr61 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the experimental and control groups. Vascular endothelial cells were highlighted by the anti-CD34 antibody, and the Weidner method was used to quantify microvessel density (MVD). RESULTS: Cyr61 was overexpressed in distant metastatic tumor cells of primary SACC. Positive expression of Cyr61 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) progressively increased in normal salivary gland tissues, primary tumor tissues, and tumor tissues of distant metastasis (P < .05). Compared with primary tumor tissues, Cyr61 expression and VEGF expression showed significant increase in tumor tissues of distant metastasis (P < .05). Cyr61 expression significantly correlated with VEGF expression and MVD (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cyr61 appeared to have a significant association with tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in SACC and may be an important target in tumor antiangiogenesis therapy.
