VEGF-C、VEGF-D信号通路与肿瘤的淋巴管生成

肿瘤的区域(前哨)淋巴结转移是肿瘤远处播散的第一步,并且可以看做是肿瘤预后的一个重要标志.新近的研究表明,肿瘤的淋巴管生成和淋巴结转移密切相关.肿瘤细胞转移至前哨淋巴结后,可以继续促进淋巴管的生成,从而进一步促进肿瘤细胞的远处转移.血管内皮生长因子-C(VEGF-C)和血管内皮生长因子-D(VEGF-D)是首先发现的特异性淋巴管生成因子,许多临床试验表明,VEGF-C和VEGF-D的表达与肿瘤的淋巴转移密切相关.目前又发现了与淋巴管生成有关的其他细胞因子,如VEGF-A.最为重要的是,采用特异性抗体、可溶性受体结构或小的膜激酶抑制剂阻断细胞因子作用的信号途径,可以有效地阻止肿瘤淋巴管的生成,这也为肿瘤的治疗提供了一个新的途径.     

VEGF-C、VEGF-D信号通路与肿瘤的淋巴管生成

肿瘤的区域(前哨)淋巴结转移是肿瘤远处播散的第一步,并且可以看做是肿瘤预后的一个重要标志.新近的研究表明,肿瘤的淋巴管生成和淋巴结转移密切相关.肿瘤细胞转移至前哨淋巴结后,可以继续促进淋巴管的生成,从而进一步促进肿瘤细胞的远处转移.血管内皮生长因子-C(VEGF-C)和血管内皮生长因子-D(VEGF-D)是首先发现的特异性淋巴管生成因子,许多临床试验表明,VEGF-C和VEGF-D的表达与肿瘤的淋巴转移密切相关.目前又发现了与淋巴管生成有关的其他细胞因子,如VEGF-A.最为重要的是,采用特异性抗体、可溶性受体结构或小的膜激酶抑制剂阻断细胞因子作用的信号途径,可以有效地阻止肿瘤淋巴管的生成,这也为肿瘤的治疗提供了一个新的途径.     

VEGF-C、VEGF-D信号通路与肿瘤的淋巴管生成

肿瘤的区域(前哨)淋巴结转移是肿瘤远处播散的第一步,并且可以看做是肿瘤预后的一个重要标志.新近的研究表明,肿瘤的淋巴管生成和淋巴结转移密切相关.肿瘤细胞转移至前哨淋巴结后,可以继续促进淋巴管的生成,从而进一步促进肿瘤细胞的远处转移.血管内皮生长因子-C(VEGF-C)和血管内皮生长因子-D(VEGF-D)是首先发现的特异性淋巴管生成因子,许多临床试验表明,VEGF-C和VEGF-D的表达与肿瘤的淋巴转移密切相关.目前又发现了与淋巴管生成有关的其他细胞因子,如VEGF-A.最为重要的是,采用特异性抗体、可溶性受体结构或小的膜激酶抑制剂阻断细胞因子作用的信号途径,可以有效地阻止肿瘤淋巴管的生成,这也为肿瘤的治疗提供了一个新的途径.     

淋巴管透明质酸受体1和血管内皮生长因子受体3在胃癌组织中的表达

目的以淋巴管透明质酸受体1（LYVE-1）和血管内皮生长因子受体3（VEGFR-3）作为淋巴管特异性标志物,研究胃癌组织和癌周组织中淋巴管的生成表达情况。方法应用免疫组织化学和Real—time聚合酶链反应的方法检测62例胃癌、癌周组织中的LYVE-1和VEGFR－3蛋白及其mRNA表达情况,计算淋巴管的密度（LVD）,检测淋巴管mRNA的相对含量。结果胃癌组织周边区淋巴管的密度高于胃癌组织中心区,而癌旁正常组织中很少见LYvE-1和VEGFR-3染色阳性的微淋巴管;胃癌组织周边区LVD和胃癌组织中LYVE-1和VEGFR-3 mRNA含量与胃癌组织浸润深度、淋巴结转移、肿瘤分期及术后复发有关（P〈0．05）。结论LYVE-1是一种特异性高于VEGFR-3的淋巴管内皮特异性标志物,淋巴管生成促进胃癌发展及淋巴结转移。     

胃癌淋巴管生成与淋巴结转移的关系

目的:研究胃癌淋巴管生成与淋巴结转移的关系。方法:应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和免疫细胞化学方法检测血管内皮生长因子-C(VEGF-C)和血管内皮生长因子受体-3(VEGFR-3)mRNA及其蛋白在5株胃癌细胞株和3对伴有淋巴结转移的胃癌组织及相应的正常黏膜中的表达。此外,还应用免疫组织化学方法检测86例胃癌标本的淋巴管密度(LVD)和VEGF-C蛋白的表达。结果:VEGF-C mRNA和蛋白高表达于3株胃癌细胞,而VEGFR-3 mRNA和蛋白在上述3个细胞株中均呈弱表达。VEGF-C和VEGFR-3 mRNA均表达于3对伴有淋巴结转移的胃癌和相应的正常黏膜组织中,但在正常组织中的表达水平低于肿瘤组织。VEGF-C蛋白在66.3%(57/86)的病例中呈阳性表达。在伴淋巴结转移的胃癌中,VEGF-C表达较无淋巴结转移者更显著(P<0.001),其表达与淋巴管浸润(P<0.001)和TNM分期(P<0.01)均密切相关,但与病人的年龄和性别、肿瘤大小、位置、组织学类型、浸润深度及远处转移均无明显相关。LVD则与VEGF-C蛋白表达(P<0.001)、淋巴结转移(P<0.01)、淋巴管浸润(P<0.01)、TNM分期(P<0.05)及组织学类型(P<0.05)密切相关,但与病人的年龄和性别、肿瘤大小、位置、浸润深度及远处转移无明显相关。结论:在胃癌中,VEGF-C可能通过VEGFR-3信号通道促进淋巴管生成,从而增加胃癌淋巴结转移率。因此,肿瘤淋巴管生成可能成为治疗胃癌的一个新靶点。     

血管和淋巴管生成及淋巴转移的关系

目的探讨胃癌组织中血管表皮生长因子C(VEGF-C)表达与血管和淋巴管密度及肿瘤淋巴转移的关系. 方法采用免疫组化SP法检测68例胃癌组织中VEGF-C、CD-31及淋巴管内皮标记物VEGFR-3,计算VEGF-C表达的阳性率及肿瘤微血管和微淋巴管密度. 结果淋巴结阳性组中VEGF-C阳性率(70%)显著高于淋巴结阴性组(30%), P<0.05;与VEGF-C阴性组(24.4±2.1)比较,VEGF-C阳性组淋巴管密度(29.6±3.0)明显增高,P<0.05,而微血管密度在两组之间差异无显著意义,P>0.05;与淋巴结阴性组比较,在淋巴结转移阳性组淋巴管密度(31.6±2.1)、微血管密度(40.2±2.3)均有显著提高,P<0.05. 结论 VEGF-C主要通过调节胃癌组织微淋巴管的生成而影响胃癌淋巴结转移;微淋巴管密度与微血管密度均为胃癌淋巴结转移的重要影响因素.     

胰腺癌淋巴管生成与血管内皮生长因子C的关系

目的探讨人胰腺癌组织中血管内皮生长因子C（VEGF-C）和其受体3（VEGFR-3）的表达与胰腺癌微淋巴管密度（LVD）、区域淋巴结转移的关系。方法免疫组织化学SP法检测67例人胰腺癌组织VEGF-C的表达情况，VEGFR-3结合Ⅳ型胶原（collagen type Ⅳ）进行LVD计数并结合临床和病理资料进行分析。结果VEGF-C的表达和胰腺癌分化程度、区域淋巴结转移、远处转移均呈显著相关（P〈0．05），LVD与胰腺癌分化程度、区域淋巴结转移、VEGF-C的表达程度呈明显相关（P〈0．01）。VEGFR-3不仅在肿瘤淋巴管内皮细胞上表达还在部分肿瘤血管内皮细胞上表达。结论VEGF-C通过其受体VEGFR-3促进胰腺癌淋巴管生成、区域淋巴结转移。     

乳腺癌淋巴管生成与血管内皮生长因子-C表达研究进展

肿瘤的淋巴管生成及其调节因子的表达是近年的研究热点。文中就血管内皮生长因子-C的表达促进乳腺癌淋巴管生成及淋巴道转移方面的研究作一综述。     

肝细胞生长因子与胃癌淋巴管生成及淋巴转移的关系

目的明确肝细胞生长因子（HGF）与胃癌淋巴管生成的相互关系及其可能途径，进一步探索HGF在肿瘤淋巴转移中的作用。方法对60例胃癌组织及其邻近正常胃组织和20例胃溃疡组织标本作免疫组织化学染色，并记数血管内皮生长因子-C（VEGF-C）、HGF、c-Met和淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体-1（Lyve-1），结合胃癌的临床病理资料作相关统计学分析。结果胃癌组织中VEGF-C、HGF、c-Met表达明显上调，其微淋巴管密度（MLD）也明显高于正常胃组织和胃溃疡组织（P〈0．001），有无淋巴转移和远处转移差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）；胃癌和胃溃疡边缘淋巴管内皮有c-Met表达，HGF和肿瘤MLD之间有明显的正相关系（P〈0．001）和多元线性回归关系（P=0．001）。结论HGF与VEGF．C一样是胃癌的淋巴管生成刺激因子，它可以通过直接或间接途径刺激淋巴管的增生，促进肿瘤淋巴转移。     

胰腺癌和慢性胰腺炎组织中VEGF-C、VEGFR-3表达及淋巴管计数

目的 探讨血管内皮生长因子C(VEGF-C)、血管内皮生长因子受体3(VEGFR-3)在胰腺癌和慢性胰腺炎组织中表达及淋巴管(lymph vessel,LV)计数的临床病理意义及相互关系.方法 应用SP免疫组化法检测51例胰腺癌中VEGF-C、VEGFR-3的表达情况和LV计数,并以10例慢性胰腺炎组织作对照.结果 VEGF-C、VEGFR-3在胰腺癌中的表达及LV计数[54.9%,49.0%,(12.5±4.3)个/HP]高于慢性胰腺炎[20.0%,10.0%,(5.2±2.4)个/HP],差异有显著性(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);高分化腺癌和未转移病例VEGF-C、VEGFR-3表达和LV计数明显低于低分化腺癌和转移病例(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);胰腺癌中VEGF-C、VEGFR-3的表达具有高度一致性且VEGF-C和VEGFR-3阳性病例LV计数明显高于阴性病例(P＜0.01).结论 VEGF-C、VEGFR-3表达及LV计数与胰腺癌分化程度、转移发生及预后可能有密切关系.VEGF-C、VEGFR-3可能促进肿瘤淋巴管生成.     

Lymphatic vessel density, microvessel density and lymphangiogenic growth factor expression in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE: Microvessel density (MVD) has been studied as a prognostic marker in human cancers. Quantification of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) is now possible by using new antibodies. Expression of the lymphangiogenic growth factors, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, is associated with poorer clinicopathological outcomes in various tumours. The aim of this study was to quantify LVD and MVD in colorectal cancer, determine the relationship between LVD, MVD and clinicopathological variables and examine the relationship between LVD and tumour expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D. METHOD: Thirty primary colorectal cancers were immunostained for CD34, lymph vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), VEGF-A and VEGF-D using standard techniques. LVD and MVD were determined by Chalkley grid counting. Tumours were assessed for the presence or absence of LYVE-1 positive lymphatics at different areas within the tumour and the tumour was scored for VEGF-C and VEGF-D immunostaining intensity at the invading tumour edge. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis and a P-value of <0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: Lymph vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 was an excellent lymphatic vessel marker. Within normal bowel wall, lymphatic vessels were found rarely in the superficial colonic mucosa, but were numerous in the submucosa and muscularis propria. In the majority of tumours, lymphatic vessels were located in the peri-tumoural area, intra-tumoural vessels were sparse and tended to be narrow with closed lumina. At the invading tumour edge, VEGF-C expression was higher (P = 0.028) and VEGF-D expression lower (P = 0.011), in tumours in which lymphatic vessels were present. No significant differences between LVD and any clinicopathological variable or route of metastasis were identified. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic vessel density and MVD can be quantified in colorectal carcinoma using immunohistochemical techniques. The balance between expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D at the invading tumour edge may enhance lymphatic metastasis, by promoting tumour lymphangiogenesis or by activation of pre-existing lymphatic vessels. No relationship was identified between LVD and clinicopathological variables.     

The role of the lymphatic system and its specific growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor C, for lymphogenic metastasis in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: To compare prostate carcinoma, with and with no lymph node metastasis, to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue for lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and the expression of the lymph-endothelial specific growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), to determine their role in lymphogenic metastasis. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lymphatic vessels were stained using lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 and assessed in standard areas. The expression of VEGF-C was assessed by the number of positive epithelial cells. The data were compared with the clinical staging. RESULTS: The lowest LVD was found in tumorous areas as opposed to periphery and nontumorous tissue (P = 0.007; P < 0.001). The highest LVD was in BPH tissue (P < 0.001). There was no correlation with clinical staging. There was more VEGF-C staining in pN1 than in pN0 and in BPH specimens (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: LVD is not a prognostic variable for the process of lymphogenic metastasis in prostate cancer. VEGF-C is up-regulated in prostate cancer and its correlation with lymph node status suggests a role for the development of lymph node metastasis, e.g. via an increased permeability of lymphatic vessels.     

血管内皮生长因子D促进胃癌淋巴管生长

目的研究血管内皮生长因子D（VEGF-D）与胃癌淋巴管转移之间的关系。方法采用反转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）从人胃癌旁正常组织中扩增人VEGF-D全长cDNA，经T-A克隆酶切鉴定及测序得到完整的序列后，亚克隆并构建pEGFP／VEGF-D真核表达载体，转染低表达VEGF-D的胃癌细胞株SGC7901，通过体外G418抗生素筛选得到高表达VEGF-D的肿瘤细胞克隆，用这种高表达VEGF-D的胃癌细胞接种于裸鼠皮下，用淋巴管内皮细胞透明质酸盐受体（LYVE-1）行免疫组织化学染色观察肿瘤淋巴管密度和形态。结果对照组和转染pEGFP／VEGF-D组肿瘤的重量分别为（1．13±0．40）g和（2．24±0．82）g，两组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。肿瘤组织内的淋巴管密度分别为2．89±1．32和5．74±1．30，两组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。周边肿瘤组织存在扩张的功能性淋巴管。结论VEGF-D在胃癌中可能通过主动促进淋巴管生长来促进肿瘤生长和远处转移。     

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression predicts lymph node metastasis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

PURPOSE: It has been found that expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in several carcinomas is significantly associated with angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and regional lymph node metastasis. However, VEGF-C expression in bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) has not yet been reported. To elucidate the role of VEGF-C in bladder TCC, we examined VEGF-C expression in bladder TCC and pelvic lymph node metastasis specimens obtained from patients who underwent radical cystectomy. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients who underwent radical cystectomy for clinically organ-confined TCC of the bladder were enrolled in the present study. No neoadjuvant treatments, except transurethral resection of the tumor, were given to these patients. The VEGF-C expressions of 87 bladder tumors and 20 pelvic lymph node metastasis specimens were examined immunohistochemically and the association between VEGF-C expression and clinicopathological factors, including angiogenesis as evaluated by microvessel density (MVD), was also examined. RESULTS: Vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression was found in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, but not in the normal transitional epithelium. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression was significantly associated with the pathological T stage (P = 0.0289), pelvic lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001), lymphatic involvement (P = 0.0008), venous involvement (P = 0.0002) and high MVD (P = 0.0043). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that VEGF-C expression and high MVD in bladder TCC were independent risk factors influencing the pelvic lymph node metastasis. Moreover, the patients with VEGF-C-positive tumors had significantly poorer prognoses than those with the VEGF-C-negative tumors (P = 0.0087) in the univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis based on Cox proportional hazard model showed that the independent prognostic factors were patient age (P = 0.0132) and pelvic lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0333). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that VEGF-C expression is an important predictive factor of pelvic lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer patients.