The expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor C and D in human esophageal normal mucosa, dysplasia and neoplasia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and D (VEGF-D) are considered to be potentially lymphangiogenic and can selectively induce hyperplasia of the lymphatic vasculature. In this study, we examined the expression of VEGF-C and -D in esophageal carcinoma.

METHODOLOGY:

With immunohistochemical staining using specific antibodies, we classified 26 esophageal carcinoma cases and 11 dysplasia cases.

RESULTS:

All esophageal carcinomas clearly expressed VEGF-C. In esophageal dysplasia, 9 (82%) lcases were positive for VEGF-C, and 2 (18%) were negative. In contrast, none of the normal esophageal mucosa expressed VEGF-C. Seventeen (65%) of 26 cases of esophageal carcinoma were positively stained for VEGF-D and 7 (35%) were negative. VEGF-D was also positive in 2 (18%) cases of esophageal dysplasia, but in no cases of normal tissue. VEGF-C was detected in all carcinomas and dysplastic lesions that expressed VEGF-D.

CONCLUSIONS:

Active production of VEGF-C and -D was observed not only in esophageal carcinomas but also in some dysplastic lesions. This finding raises the possibility that VEGF-C and -D might play positive roles in the early stage of esophageal carcinogenesis.

• Authors: Makoto Ishikawa, Joji Kitayama, Shinsuke Kazama, Hirokazu Nagawa
• Journal: Hepato-gastroenterology (Hepatogastroenterology) 2004 Sep-Oct Vol. 51 Issue 59 Pg. 1319-22 ISSN: 0172-6390 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 15362742 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• VEGFC protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D

Topics

• Aged
• Biomarkers, Tumor (analysis)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (pathology)
• Esophageal Neoplasms (pathology)
• Esophagus (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Lymphatic Metastasis (pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mucous Membrane (pathology)
• Neoplasm Invasiveness (pathology)
• Neoplasm Staging
• Precancerous Conditions (pathology)
• Prognosis
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (analysis)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D (analysis)