膀胱癌血清中MMP-9与VEGF水平检测及意义

目的　检测基质金属蛋白酶 9(MMP 9)与血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF)在膀胱癌患者血清中的水平 ,探讨其与肿瘤的分级、分期的关系。　方法　采用sandwich ELISA法检测 5 8例膀胱癌患者血清中MMP 9和VEGF水平 ,正常对照组 4 5例。　结果　膀胱癌患者血清中MMP 9和VEGF的水平分别为 737 12 μg/L和 114 8 88ng/L ,均显著高于对照组 4 2 3 5 1μg/L和 84 6 96ng/L(P <0 0 1)。两者的水平与肿瘤的分级、分期有关 ,其中局部浸润性癌显著高于浅表性癌 (P <0 0 1) ;远处转移组显著高于局部浸润组 (P <0 0 1) ;而浅表性癌与对照组无差别 (P >0 0 5 )。G3 级患者MMP 9和VEGF水平均显著高于G1和G2 级 (P <0 0 1)。　结论　膀胱癌患者血清中MMP 9和VEGF水平显著升高 ,并与肿瘤的分级、分期及远处转移有关 ,提示检测两者血清水平有助于对膀胱癌恶性程度的判断。     

膀胱癌患者血清及尿中L-selectin检测的临床意义

目的　探讨膀胱移行细胞癌 (TCC)患者检测血、尿细胞粘附因子L selectin的临床意义。　方法　采用ELISA法测定 46例膀胱癌患者 (浸润性 2 0例 ,浅表性 2 6例 )及 14例良性前列腺增生患者血清及尿L selectin浓度。　结果　 3组患者术前L selectin血清浓度分别为 :浸润性癌患者 ( 76 6 .3± 135 .1)ng ml,浅表性癌患者 ( 5 6 3.8± 118.2 )ng ml,良性前列腺增生患者 ( 5 44 .1± 12 1.2 )ng ml。浸润性癌组与浅表性癌组及良性增生组分别比较 ,差异有显著性意义 (P <0 .0 1)。浸润性癌患者术后血清L selectin浓度显著低于术前 (P <0 .0 5 )。浸润性癌组术前尿L selectin水平显著高于浅表癌组及良性前列腺增生组 (P <0 .0 1)。　结论　血、尿L selectin浓度水平与TCC浸润程度有关 ,对TCC患者治疗前临床分期及选择手术方案有参考价值。     

膀胱癌患者尿液中血管内皮生长因子的检测

目的　探讨血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF)与膀胱移行细胞癌发生及浸润的关系。　方法　应用ELISA法对 36例膀胱移行细胞癌患者、7例BPH患者新鲜尿液中VEGF水平进行检测分析。　结果　膀胱癌患者尿液VEGF浓度 (2 10 .97± 15 4 .6 8)pg/ml,BPH患者尿液VEGF浓度 (3.73±2 .6 3) pg/ml,P <0 .0 0 5 ,差别有显著性意义 ,VEGF浓度随肿瘤病理分级增高而升高 ,浸润性膀胱癌组VEGF浓度 (341.34± 196 .84 ) pg/ml,高于浅表性癌组 (44 .88± 16 .85 ) pg/ml,P <0 .0 0 5 ;复发组VEGF浓度 (2 92 .5 9± 186 .6 7) pg/ml,初发组 (88.4 9± 16 .5 8) pg/ml,差别均有显著性意义 (P <0 .0 0 5 )。　结论　VEGF对膀胱癌生物学行为有重要影响 ,可作为膀胱癌生物学行为的指标之一     

膀胱癌患者癌组织及尿脱落细胞中血管内皮生长因子mRNA的表达及临床意义

目的 探讨癌组织和尿脱落细胞血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)mRNA的表达水平与膀胱移行细胞癌生物学行为的关系。方法 采用半定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)的方法检测42例膀胱移行细胞癌患者癌组织和尿脱落细胞 VEGF mRNA的表达情况。结果 膀胱癌患者癌组织和尿脱落细胞 VEGF mRNA表达都明显高于正常对照组,两者相比差异皆有显著性(P<0.001)。尿脱落细胞与相应膀胱癌组织的 VEGF mRNA表达水平之间有显著的正相关(r=0.982,P<0.001)。癌组织和尿脱落细胞VEGF mRNA的表达水平与膀胱癌临床病理各参数密切相关,肿瘤直径>2 cm组与≤2 cm组相比(分别为P=0.001,P=0.002)、复发组与初发组相比(分别为P=0.022,P=0.029)、多灶性肿瘤组与单灶性肿瘤组相比(分别为P=0.005,P=0.006)、低分化膀胱癌组(G3)与中高分化组(G1～G2)相比(分别为P=0.003,P=0.003)以及浸润性膀胱癌组(T2～T4)与浅表性膀胱癌组(Tis～T1)相比(分别为P=0.001,P=0.003)差异皆有显著性。结论癌组织和尿脱落细胞 VEGF mRNA的表达与膀胱癌生物学行为密切相关。检测尿脱落细胞VEGF mRNA的表达能很好的反应癌组织 VEGF的表达情况,可作为膀胱肿瘤辅助诊断、预后监测的一种非侵袭性方法。     

尿液血管内皮生长因子含量检测在诊断膀胱癌中的作用

目的　探讨尿液中血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF)含量测定诊断膀胱癌的价值。　方法　采用ELISA法测定 33例膀胱癌、10例泌尿系良性疾病患者和 10例健康志愿者尿液中VEGF含量。结果　 33例膀胱癌患者尿VEGF平均含量 (30 9.8± 86 .6 )ng/gCr ,2 0例非肿瘤对照组为 (10 7.6± 35 .4 )ng/gCr,两者差别有显著性意义 (P <0 .0 5 )。T2 、T3 患者尿VEGF平均含量显著高于T1(P <0 .0 5 ) ;G3组尿VEGF平均含量显著高于G1和G2 组 (P <0 .0 5 )。尿VEGF含量与肿瘤体积相关。以对照组尿液VEGF水平上限 (14 3ng/gCr)为阳性界值时 ,诊断膀胱癌的灵敏度为 90 .9% (30 / 33) ,特异性为 80 .0 % (16 / 2 0 )。　结论　尿VEGF含量检测方法简便 ,无创 ,具有较高的敏感性和特异性 ,可作为膀胱癌的诊断指标之一。     

膀胱癌组织中环氧化酶-2表达及与微血管形成的定量关系

目的探讨膀胱移行细胞癌组织中COX-2表达与微血管形成的定量关系。方法应用免疫组化方法对68例原发性膀胱癌及10例正常膀胱黏膜组织标本中COX-2进行检测,并对32例浸润性膀胱癌组织中微血管计数。结果膀胱癌组织COX-2阳性表达率63.2%(43/68),正常膀胱黏膜组织COX-2表达均为阴性。低分化和浸润性癌组织中COX-2阳性表达率显著高于高分化和表浅癌组(P值均<0.01);有血管浸润性癌组COX-2阳性表达率明显高于无血管浸润癌组(P<0.01)。32例浸润性膀胱癌组织中血管形成定量为(61.5±19.6),并与COX-2表达密切相关(P<0.01)。结论COX-2表达与肿瘤浸润及癌细胞的分化程度及癌组织中微血管计数密切相关。     

前列腺干细胞抗原在膀胱尿路上皮癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨前列腺干细胞抗原（PSCA）在膀胱尿路上皮癌组织中的表达情况,并分析其与膀胱癌临床病理特征及复发的关系。方法选择105例膀胱尿路上皮癌标本,20例癌旁正常膀胱组织标本。癌标本中非肌层浸润性癌74例,肌层浸润性癌31例;G1 26例、G2 54例、G3 25例;单发肿瘤63例,多发肿瘤42例;非肌层浸润性癌中未复发31例,复发43例。采用SP免疫组织化学方法检测膀胱癌和癌旁正常组织中PSCA蛋白的表达,并结合临床病理资料进行分析。结果正常膀胱组织中无PSCA蛋白表达,癌组织中随病理分级和分期增加,PSCA相对表达量逐渐增高。G1、G2、G3 膀胱癌PSCA蛋白表达阳性率分别为23．1％、46．3％,76．0％,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．001）。非肌层浸润性肿瘤和肌层浸润性肿瘤中PSCA蛋白表达阳性率为47.3％和71．0％,差异有统计学意义（P=0．004）。随访3～54个月,非肌层浸润性膀胱癌中,复发组与未复发组中PSCA蛋白高表达阳性率为65．1％和32.3％,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．001）。结论PSCA蛋白高表达与膀胱尿路上皮癌的恶性程度及预后相关,检测PSCA有助于膀胱癌的诊断及评估预后。     

低氧诱导因子2和血管内皮生长因子在膀胱癌中的表达及意义

目的　探讨低氧诱导因子 2 (EPAS1/HIF 2α)和血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF)在膀胱移行细胞癌中的表达意义。　方法　应用免疫组织化学技术检测 6 0例膀胱移行细胞癌 [Ⅰ级 2 8例 ,Ⅱ级 12例 ,Ⅲ级 2 0例 ;浅表性膀胱癌 (Tis～T1) 2 9例 ,浸润性 (T2 ～T4) 31例 ]和 8例正常膀胱组织中EPAS1/HIF 2α和VEGF的表达情况 ,χ2 检验分析其表达与膀胱癌分级和分期间的关系。　结果　EPAS1/HIF 2α和VEGF在正常膀胱组织中不表达 ,而在膀胱癌组织表达较强。 6 0例膀胱癌标本中EPAS1/HIF 2α阳性表达 34例 ,阴性 2 6例。病理分级Ⅰ级标本阳性表达 4例 (14 .3% ) ,Ⅱ级 11例 (91.7% ) ,Ⅲ级 19例(95 .0 % )。浅表性癌中阳性 5例 (17.2 % ) ,浸润性癌中阳性 2 9例 (93.5 % )。EPAS1/HIF 2α与肿瘤的病理分级 (r =0 .86 2 ,P <0 .0 0 1)和临床分期 (r=0 .80 5 ,P <0 .0 0 1)密切相关。 6 0例膀胱癌标本中VEGF阳性表达 4 4例。病理分级Ⅰ级标本阳性表达 12例 (42 .8% ) ,Ⅱ级 12例、Ⅲ级 19例均阳性表达。浅表性膀胱癌中阳性表达 14例 (48.3% ) ,浸润性癌中阳性表达 30例 (96 .8% ) ,VEGF表达与肿瘤病理分级 (r=0 .84 1,P <0 .0 0 1)和临床分期 (r =0 .819,P <0 .0 0 1)密切相关。EPAS1/HIF 2α表达与VEGF表达密切相关 (r=     

肺癌支气管肺泡灌洗液中内皮抑素的表达

目的 探讨肺癌病人术前血清及支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中内皮抑素(endostatin)表达情况,分析其与肿瘤临床病理特征和预后的关系.方法 酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测57例肺癌及34例肺良性病变者术前血清及BALF中endostatin含量.结果 肺癌病人血清及BALF术前内皮抑素含量显著高于肺良性病变者,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).淋巴结及远处转移组术前内皮抑素含量明显高于无转移组(P＜0.05);肺腺癌病人外周血清及BALF中内皮抑素表达高于鳞癌、小细胞癌者;Ⅲ～Ⅳ期病人血清、BALF内皮抑素水平高于Ⅰ～Ⅱ期者(P＜0.01).肺癌病人内皮抑素在外周血清及BALF中的表达呈线性正相关(P=0.000).结论 肺癌病人血清及支气管肺泡灌洗液中内皮抑素含量明显高于良性病变者,且与肿瘤组织学类型、分化程度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移呈明显正相关,肺泡灌洗液中内皮抑素含量较血清中高且更敏感,可能有助于肺癌病人预后的评估及肿瘤分化程度判断.     

肾透明细胞癌患者血清中内皮抑素含量检测及其临床意义

目的 检测肾透明细胞癌患者术前血清中内皮抑素含量,分析其与肿瘤分级、分期的关系.方法 2004年3月至2008年10月接受手术治疗的肾透明细胞癌患者138例,其中男性102例,女性36例,平均年龄63.2岁;T1期73例,T2期39例,T3期20例,T4期6例.40例性别、年龄相应的健康人作为对照组,应用双抗体夹心ELISA法检测其术前血清中内皮抑素水平.结果 患者术前血清中内皮抑素含量均值为93.1 μg/L,与健康对照组(78.9 μg/L)差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).T1期患者术前血清内皮抑素水平为80.4 μg/L,低于T2期(107.5 μg/L,P<0.01)、T3期(102.7 μg/L,P<0.05)及T4期(120.7 μg/L,P<0.01),而后三组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).T1期患者与对照组无明显差异(P>0.05).转移组患者术前血清内皮抑素含量为118.4 μg/L,高于未转移组的89.5 μg/L(P<0.05);单纯淋巴结转移组及远处转移组患者之间差异无统计学意义.G3-4级患者血清内皮抑素水平为111.8 μg/L,高于G1级(80.4 μg/L)和G2级(86.2 μg/L)(P<0.01).结论 肾透明细胞癌患者术前血清内皮抑素含量与肿瘤的高分级、高分期相关,可能有助于患者预后及肿瘤分化程度判断.     

Detection and Quantification of Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (slCAM-1) in the Serum and Urine of Patients with Bladder Cancer

Background : A possible role for intercellular adhesion molecules in tumor progression and metastasis has been strongly suggested. To investigate the effect of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (slCAM-1) on bladder cancer, slCAM-1 serum and urinary concentrations were measured in patients with superficial or invasive bladder cancer and in patients with prostatic hypertrophy.
Methods : Serum and urine samples were obtained from 26 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (mean age, 66.8 years) and 14 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH; mean age, 70.5 years). Fifteen healthy volunteers served as control patients. Samples were collected before surgery and 5 days after surgery. The serum and urinary slCAM-1 levels were measured by an ELISA.
Results : The preoperative serum concentration of slCAM-1 was significantly higher in patients with invasive bladder cancer (351.8 ±158.0 ng/mL)than in the healthy controls (233.1 ±96.1 ng/mL; P<0.05) or BPH patients (224.7 ± 80.5 ng/mL; P< 0.05). In addition, serum slCAM-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with tumors greater than 3 cm in size (412.7 ± 147.6 ng/mL) than in patients with smaller tumors (246.6 ± 101.2 ng/mL; P<0.05). Urinary slCAM-1 levels in patients with invasive bladder cancer were also significantly higher than in the patients with superficial cancer prior to surgery.
Conclusion : Our results suggested that slCAM-1 may play an important role in the progression of bladder cancer, and that elevated serum slCAM-1 levels may be related to tumor size.     

乳腺癌患者血清和肿瘤组织VEGF表达与临床预后的关系

目的探讨乳腺癌患者血清和肿瘤组织中血管内皮细胞生长因子（VEGF）的表达以及与临床预后的关系。方法以44例乳腺癌患者、13例乳腺良性疾病患者和40例正常人为研究对象，分别采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测其血清VEGF水平，采用免疫组化LSAB法检测其组织中VEGF、雌激素受体（ER）和原癌基因C-erbB-2蛋白的表达，并分析其与临床预后因素如淋巴结转移情况及临床分期的关系。结果乳腺癌组血清和组织中VEGF表达水平（113．88pg／ml，20723．99）均明显高于乳腺良性疾病组（55．79pg／ml，3594．74），P〈0．001，而乳腺良性疾病组与正常对照组（41．30pg／ml，-）比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；且血清和组织中VEGF的表达呈正相关（r=0．48，P〈0．01）。有淋巴结转移者血清和组织中VEGF的表达水平（129．60pg／ml，28506．82）明显高于无淋巴结转移者（80．80pg／ml，14656．73），P〈0．01；血清和组织中VEGF的表达与肿瘤的临床分期有关（P〈0．01），但与患者年龄和肿瘤大小无关（P〉0．05）。乳腺癌患者血清和组织中VEGF表达水平与组织中ER表达呈负相关（r=-0．45，P〈0．05），与C-erbB-2表达呈正相关（r=0．48，P〈0．01）。结论乳腺癌患者血清和肿瘤组织中VEGF表达呈正相关，且与其临床预后有关，可作为乳腺癌患者预后判断的重要参考指标之一。     

Prognostic significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endostatin stimulate and inhibit tumour angiogenesis respectively. Recent studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of serum levels of both VEGF and endostatin in patients with various types of cancer. Their significance in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. METHODS: Serum VEGF and endostatin levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay in 108 patients with HCC before surgical resection and in 20 healthy controls. Preoperative serum VEGF and endostatin levels were correlated with clinicopathological features and long-term survival. RESULTS: Serum VEGF levels in patients with HCC were significantly higher than those in controls, but serum levels of endostatin were similar in the two groups. High serum levels of VEGF, but not endostatin, were significantly associated with venous invasion and advanced tumour stage. Patients with a serum VEGF level higher than median (over 245.0 pg/ml) had significantly worse overall and disease-free survival than those with a lower level (P = 0.012 and P = 0.022 respectively). On multivariate analysis, serum VEGF level was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 1.86 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.10 to 3.92); P = 0.032). Serum endostatin levels did not have significant prognostic influence on overall or disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: A high serum level of VEGF is a predictor of poor outcome after resection of HCC. Serum VEGF, but not endostatin, may be a useful prognostic marker in patients with HCC.     

Serum p53 and bladder cancer: can serum p53 be used as a tumor marker?

The aim of this study was to find the correlation between serum p53 and carcinoma of the bladder and to investigate whether serum p53 protein can be used as a tumor marker for p53 gene alteration. The study included patients with carcinoma of the bladder and controls. Serum p53 protein estimation was done with an ELISA kit. There were 23 patients with superficial and 17 with invasive carcinoma. The median serum p53 was 31.5 U/ml in superficial and 41 U/ml in invasive cancer. This was significantly higher than the mean value (16.4 U/ml) of controls. Serum p53 rises in patients with carcinoma of the bladder and correlates with the grade of the disease .It can therefore be used as a tumor marker for bladder cancer.     

Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor as a prognostic factor in bladder cancer

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor is an overriding growth factor mediating tumor angiogenesis. We correlated serum vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with bladder cancer with clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum vascular endothelial growth factor in 58 patients with bladder cancer, including superficial and invasive tumors in 42 and 16, respectively, and 41 healthy controls was measured by sandwich enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Significant differences in serum vascular endothelial growth factor were observed in healthy controls and patients with bladder cancer (mean 248 versus 100 pg./ml., p <0.001). The serum level was significantly associated with tumor stage (p <0.0001), grade (p <0.002), vascular invasion (p <0.001) and carcinoma in situ (p <0.01). Patients with metastasis had a significantly higher levels than those with localized diseases (mean 582 versus 194 pg./ml., p <0.0001). At a cut-off of 400 pg./ml. the sensitivity and specificity of the test for differentiating patients with and without metastatic diseases was 87.5% and 98%, respectively (p <0.0001). Univariate statistical analysis showed that an increase in serum vascular endothelial growth factor level greater than 400 pg./ml. was significantly related to disease-free survival. On multivariate analysis only stage remained as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: Although vascular endothelial growth factor did not remain an independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis, our data indicate that the level of vascular endothelial growth factor may be a valuable angiogenic marker for identifying metastatic bladder cancer. It may be used as a new predictor of disease.     

DLG1在膀胱癌中的表达及其与临床病理特征和预后的关系

目的探讨DLGI在膀胱癌中的表达及其与临床病理特征和预后的关系。方法选取2009年2月至2014年9月在本院收治的膀胱癌患者138例,采用实时荧光逆转录法及免疫组化法测定DLG1在膀胱癌组织和正常膀胱组织中的表达水平,分析其与临宋病理参数和预后的关系。结果膀胱癌组织中DLCI mRNA和DLC1蛋白表达水平高于正常膀胱组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);膀胱癌组织的DLCI蛋白表达阳性率高于正常膀胱组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);DLG1蛋白表达与年龄无相关性(P>0.05),与TMN分期、病理分级.复发.浸润深度.血管间隙浸润、肿瘤最大径、淋巴结转移有明显相关性(P均<0.01),且TMN分期越高、病理分级越高、有复发、浸润深度越深、有血管间隙浸润、肿瘤最大径≥2 cm,有转移,而DLGI蛋白阳性表达率越高(P<0.01);DLC1阴性患者3年生存率及生存期均明显高于DLC1阳性患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论膀胱癌患者中DLCI表达升高,DLCI在膀胱癌的发生发展过程中起促进作用,DLGI低表达的膀胱癌患者能获得较好的预后。     

趋化因子受体7在膀胱癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨趋化因子受体7(CXCR7)蛋白在膀胱癌中的表达情况,并分析其与临床生物学行为及复发的关系.方法 选择148例膀胱移行细胞癌标本,30例正常膀胱组织标本:肿瘤标本中非肌层浸润性癌104例,肌层浸润性癌44例;G147例、G2 73例、G3 28例;单发肿瘤89例,多发肿瘤59例;非肌层浸润性癌中未复发40例,复发64例.采用LSAB免疫组织化学方法,检测膀胱癌和正常组织中CXCR7蛋白的表达,并结合临床资料进行分析. 结果正常组织中CXCR7蛋白的表达水平为10.0%(3/30),肿瘤组织为85.1%(126/148);单发及多发肿瘤CXCR7蛋白高表达率分别为49.4%(44/89)和71.2%(42/59),G1、G2、G3膀胱癌CXCR7蛋白高表达阳性率分别为34.0%(16/47)、65.8%(48/73)、78.6%(22/28),差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).非肌层浸润性肿瘤和肌层浸润性肿瘤中CXCR7蛋白高表达阳性率为51.9%和72.7%,组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).非肌层浸润性膀胱癌中,复发组与未复发组中CXCR7蛋白高表达阳性率为64.1%和32.5%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).Kaplan-Merier曲线显示,CXCR7蛋白高表达组患者和CXCR7蛋白低表达组患者术后无复发生存率比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01). 结论CXCR7蛋白高表达与膀胱移行细胞癌的恶性程度及预后相关,提示CXCR7与膀胱癌的发生发展存在相关性.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the expression of CXCR7 in bladder cancer and analyze its clinical significance and relationship with bladder cancer recurrence. Methods The expressions of CXCR7 protein in 148 specimens of bladder cancer and 30 specimens of normal bladder tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining and its clinical significance was then analyzed. Results The expression of CXCR7 protein was higher in bladder cancers than in the adjacent normal tissues (P＜0.01). CXCR7 protein expression rates were 49. 4% and 71.2% in mutifocal tumors and unifocal tumors, while 34.0%, 65.8% and 78. 6% in G1, G2, and G3 tumors, respectively (P＜0. 01). Expression of CXCR7 protein was higher in muscle invasive bladder cancers than in non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (72. 7% versus 51.9% ,P＜0.05). In patients followed up for 2-95 months, CXCR7 protein expression was significantly higher in patients with recurrence than with non-recurrence (64. 1% versus 32.5%, P＜0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rark test showed that the recurrence-free survival was significantly different between the group of lower CXCR7 expression group and the higher expression group (P＜0.01). Conclusions The expression of CXCR7 protein is high in bladder cancer and the analysis of CXCR7 protein expression is potentially valuable in prognostic evaluation of bladder cancers. CXCR7 may play a role in the development of bladder urothelial cell cancer.     

Prognostic value of tumor-associated macrophage count in human bladder cancer

BACKGROUND: We determined the tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) count to investigate its importance in predicting clinical outcome or prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. METHODS: The TAM count and microvessel count (MVC) were determined immunohistochemically in 63 patients with bladder cancer, including 40 superficial bladder cancers and 23 invasive bladder cancers. To examine the relationship between TAM count and clinical outcome or prognosis in bladder cancer, cystectomy rates, distant metastasis rates, vascular invasion rates and 5 year survival rates were compared between patients with low (< 67) and high (> or = 67) TAM counts. RESULTS: The TAM count in invasive bladder cancers (154.22+/-11.98) was significantly higher than in superficial bladder cancers (49.05+/-7.76; P<0.0001). The MVC in invasive bladder cancers (71.55+/-10.44) was also significantly higher than in superficial bladder cancers (47.02+/-5.57; P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between TAM count and MVC (r=0.30; P=0.02). Immunohistochemical staining using CD68/horseradish peroxidase monoclonal antibody showed more infiltrating cells in invasive than superficial bladder cancers. Patients with a high TAM count (> or =67) showed significantly higher rates of cystectomy, distant metastasis and vascular invasion than those with a lower TAM count (<67). The 5 year survival rate estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method was significantly lower in patients with a high TAM count than in those with a low TAM count (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that determination of TAM count in bladder cancer tissues is of value to predict the clinical outcome or prognosis and to select appropriate treatment strategies in patients with bladder cancer.