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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2007; 13(45): 6076-6081
Published online Dec 7, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i45.6076
Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase suppressor genes RECK, VEGF, and CD105 with angiogenesis and biological behavior in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Sheng-Lei Li, Dong-Ling Gao, Zhi-Hua Zhao, Zong-Wen Liu, Qiu-Min Zhao, Jin-Xia Yu, Kui-Sheng Chen, Yun-Han Zhang
Sheng-Lei Li, Zhi-Hua Zhao, Dong-Ling Gao, Zong-Wen Liu, Qiu-Min Zhao, Jin-Xia Yu, Kui-Sheng Chen, Yun-Han Zhang, Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital Zhengzhou University; He'nan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou 450052, He'nan Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by The “Tenth Five-Year Plan” Research Foundation for the Key Constructional Project (“211 Project”) of Zhengzhou University, He'nan Province, China
Correspondence to: Yun-Han Zhang, Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou 450052, He'nan Province, China. yhzhang@zzu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-371-65168738 Fax: +86-371-66658175
Received: June 4, 2007
Revised: September 3, 2007
Accepted: October 15, 2007
Published online: December 7, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To explore the expression of reversion inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endoglin (CD105) protein and its correlation with occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS: Streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohisto-chemistry was used to detect expression of RECK and VEGF in 62 cases of ESCC, 31 cases of adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium and 62 cases of normal esophageal epithelium. CD105 Mb was used to assess microvessel density (MVD).

RESULTS: The expression of RECK was closely correlated with histological grade, infiltrative depth and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC (P < 0.05). The expression of RECK decreased during cancer development: normal esophageal epithelium (85.5%, 53/62), adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium (71.0%, 22/31), and carcinoma (59.7%, 37/62). There was a significant difference among the groups (P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF protein was closely correlated with infiltrative depth and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC (P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF protein increased during cancer development: normal esophageal epithelium (29.0%, 18/62), adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium (54.8%, 17/31), and carcinoma (67.7%, 42/62). There was a significant difference among the groups (P < 0.05). MVDCD105 increased in accordance with histological grade, but there was no significant difference (grade I, 36.92 ± 10.85; grade II, 37.65 ± 9.50; and grade III, 38.06 ± 12.19). The MVDCD105 was closely correlated with infiltration and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC (P < 0.05). The expression of RECK was inversely correlated with the expression of VEGF and CD105.

CONCLUSION: RECK, VEGF and CD105 play important roles in the infiltration, metastasis and carcinogenesis in esophageal carcinoma. Angiogenesis in ESCC may be promoted by over-expression of CD105.

Keywords: Reversion inducing cysteine rich protein with Kazal motifs, Vascular endothelial growth factor, CD105, Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Immunohistochemistry, Microvessel density