ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARgamma) in extrahepatic cholangioadenocarcinoma (EHCAC) and to elucidate its correlation with clinicopathological factors and their significance in prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of PPARgamma and VEGF-C were detected by immunohistochemistry in 69 cases of EHCAC, 12 cases of non-tumor bile duct epithelium, and their relationship to clinicopathological parameters and follow-up were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of PPARgamma expression in 69 cases of EHCAC was 59.4%, significantly higher than that in 12 cases of non-tumor bile duct epithelium (0%), (P < 0.01). The positive rate of VEGF-C in 69 cases of EHCAC was 84.1%, also significantly higher than 16.7% in 12 cases of benign bile duct epithelium (P < 0.05). PPARgamma expression was associated with clinical TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. VEGF-C expression was associated with lymph node metastasis. Cox analysis results showed that portal vein and/or hepatic artery invasion, lymph node metastasis and VEGF-C expression were independent prognostic factors of EHCAC (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPARgamma expression may play an important role during tumorigenesis of extrahepatic cholangioadenocarcinoma. The expressions of PPARgamma and VEGF-C are significantly correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics and biological behavior of EHCAC. Expression of VEGF-C is an independent prognosis factors in EHCAC. The detection of PPARgamma and VEGF-C is valuable for evaluation of prognosis of EHCAC.</p>
