Role of VEGF-A and its receptors in sporadic and MEN2-associated pheochromocytoma.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO), a rare catecholamine producing tumor arising from the chromaffin cells, may occurs sporadically (76%-80%) or as part of inherited syndromes (20%-24%). Angiogenesis is a fundamental step in tumor proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is the most well-characterized angiogenic factor. The role of angiogenic markers in PHEO is not fully understood; investigations were therefore made to evaluate the expression of VEGF-A and its receptors in PHEO and correlate to clinical parameters. Twenty-nine samples of PHEO were evaluated for VEGF-A, VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) VEGFR-2 expression and microvessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were reviewed in medical records. The mean age of patients was 38±14 years, and 69% were woman. VEGF-A, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 staining were detected in nearly all PHEO samples. No significant correlation was observed between VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 expression or MVD and age at diagnosis, tumor size or sporadic and hereditary PHEO. However, the levels of expression of these molecules were significantly higher in malignant PHEO samples (p=0.027, p=0.003 and p=0.026, respectively).VEGF-A and its receptors were shown to be up-regulated in malignant PHEO, suggesting that these molecules might be considered as therapeutic targets for unresectable or metastatic tumors.

• Authors: Carla Vaz Ferreira, Débora Rodrigues Siqueira, Mírian Romitti, Lucieli Ceolin, Beatriz Assis Brasil, Luise Meurer, Clarissa Capp, Ana Luiza Maia
• Journal: International journal of molecular sciences (Int J Mol Sci) Vol. 15 Issue 4 Pg. 5323-36 (Mar 26 2014) ISSN: 1422-0067 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 24675699 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• VEGFA protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• KDR protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2

Topics

• Adrenal Gland Neoplasms (blood supply, diagnosis)
• Adrenal Medulla (blood supply, cytology, pathology)
• Adult
• Biomarkers, Tumor (biosynthesis)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Microvessels (physiology)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a
• Neovascularization, Pathologic
• Pheochromocytoma (blood supply, diagnosis)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (biosynthesis)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 (biosynthesis)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (biosynthesis)