Angiopoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in colorectal disease models

AIM:To investigate angiopoietin(Ang) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expression in rats with ulcerative colitis(UC) and colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:Dysplasia and cancer were investigatedin rats that received three cycles of 3.5% dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) in drinking water for 7 d followed by distilled water for 14 d after intraperitoneal pretreatment with 20 mg/kg 1,2-dimethylhydrazine(DMH)(CRC group).Colitis was investigated in rats that received three cycles of 3.5% DSS in drinking water for 7 d followed by distilled water for 14 d after intraperitoneal pretreatment with saline(UC group).Rats without DSS or DMH treatment served as controls.Expression of the tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulinlike and EGF-like domains(Tie)-2 and its ligands,Ang-1 and Ang-2,as well as VEGF were evaluated in the colorectum by Western blotting.RESULTS:Compared with rats in the control group,rats in the CRC and UC groups developed the symptoms of acute colitis with diarrhea,rectal bleeding,wasting,and loss of body weight(P < 0.05).In addition,the mean length of colorectum of CRC and UC rats was significantly shorter than that of control rats(8.29 ± 0.21 and 8.31 ± 0.86,respectively,vs 12.34 ± 0.12 cm; P < 0.05).Furthermore,rats in the CRC group,but not in the UC or control groups,developed multiple tumors in the colorectal region.Western blot analysis revealed that rats in the CRC and UC groups had markedly increased protein levels of Ang-1,Ang-2,Tie-2,and VEGF in the colorectum compared to rats in the control group.CONCLUSION:Increased expression of Ang-1,Ang-2,Tie-2,and VEGF in ulcerative colitis-derived colorectal cancer might lead to chronic colitis and pathologic angiogenesis in rats.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 in paracrine tumor-stromal cell interactions in multiple myeloma

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a multifunctional cytokine, potently stimulates angiogenesis including tumor neovascularization. Although well established in solid tumors, the role of VEGF in bone marrow neoangiogenesis and paracrine tumor-stromal cell interactions in lymphohematopoietic malignancies has not been fully elucidated. In multiple myeloma (MM), marrow neovascularization parallels disease progression. This parallel prompted us to investigate the expression and secretion of VEGF by myeloma cells and its potential effects in myeloma-marrow stroma interactions. The biologically active splice variants VEGF165 and VEGF121 were expressed and secreted by myeloma cell lines and plasma cells isolated from the marrow of patients with MM. As shown by immunocytochemistry or RT-PCR, myeloma cells did not express or weakly expressed the VEGF receptors FLT-1 and FLK-1/KDR, indicating that autocrine stimulation is unlikely. In contrast, FLK-1/KDR was abundantly expressed by marrow stromal cells. Therefore, we studied the effects of VEGF on marrow stroma, focusing on the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a potent growth factor for myeloma cells and an inhibitor of plasma cell apoptosis. Exposure of stromal and microvascular endothelial cells to recombinant human (rh) VEGF165 or VEGF121 induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in IL-6 secretion (14- to 27-fold at 50 ng/mL after 24 hours, P <.001). Conversely, rhIL-6 stimulated VEGF expression and secretion in myeloma cell lines (40%-60%; P <.05) and to a variable degree (up to 5.3-fold; P <.005) in plasma cells purified from the marrow of patients with MM. This mutual stimulation suggests paracrine interactions between myeloma and marrow stromal cells triggered by VEGF and IL-6. (Blood. 2000;95:2630-2636)     

大肠癌血管内皮生长因子的表达及其意义

目的：探讨血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）mRNA在大肠癌和癌周组织中的表达及其与临床特征之间的关系,为在分子水平干预肿瘤血管形成,预防大肠癌复发和转移打下基础。方法：采用逆转录－聚合酶链反应（RT－PCR）检测方法,对68例大肠癌手术标本癌和癌周组织中VEGF mRNA的表达水平进行了相对定量研究。结果：肿瘤组织中VEGF mRNA的表达率为67．6％（46／68）,癌周组织表达率为32．4％（22／68）;肿瘤组织中VEGF mRNA表达水平在浆膜浸润组,淋巴结转移,远处转移和Dukes D期组分别显著高于未侵及浆膜组,无淋巴结转移组,无远处转移和Dukes A,B,C期组;肿瘤组织中VEGF mRNA表达水平在肿瘤直径大的大肠癌组（＞5cm)与大小肠癌组（≤5cm)以及不同组织学分组组之间相比差异无显著性。结论：VEGF在大肠癌浸润和转移过程中发挥重要作用,肿瘤血管形成与大肠癌浸润和转移关系密切。     

Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sFLT-1) mediates downregulation of FLT-1 and prevents activated neutrophils from women with preeclampsia from additional migration by VEGF

Neutrophil activation and increased migration is associated with preeclampsia and is resolved after delivery. Preeclampsia is an inflammatory disorder where altered levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) have a pathogenic role. VEGF, by binding to FLT-1, induces leukocytic chemotaxis. We studied expression and function of FLT-1 in maternal neutrophils during preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. Analysis of maternal neutrophils showed the relationship between FLT-1 expression and week of gestation. Preeclamptic women express lower FLT-1 and sFLT-1 in neutrophils. In contrast, serum levels of sFLT-1 in patients with preeclampsia are increased and, therefore, inhibit upregulation of FLT-1 in neutrophils by neutralizing VEGF. VEGF-dependent FLT-1 expression is regulated by changing FLT-1-promoter activity. Promoter activity is decreased by sFLT-1. In vitro experiments demonstrated that migration of neutrophils is regulated by VEGF via FLT-1 and excess of sFLT-1. Thus, VEGF-dependent migration of neutrophils is decreased during preeclampsia as a consequence of excess circulating sFlt1. But, they still increase migration by fMLP and, therefore, migration of neutrophils from preeclamptic women is highly activated when compared with the normotensive group. In conclusion, besides being involved in inducing an antiangiogenic state in the serum, excess of sFLT-1 seems to prevent activated neutrophils from women with preeclampsia from additional migration by VEGF. We provide evidence that neutrophils may be involved in the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders.     

大肠癌EGFR、HER-2、VEGF表达特点及其对分子靶向治疗的指导意义

目的:探讨大肠癌中表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)、人类表皮生长因子受体-2(HER-2)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达特点及其对大肠癌分子靶向治疗的指导意义.方法:随机选取2005-05/2009-03中国人民解放军空军总医院普通外科行根治性手术的大肠癌患者78例. 应用免疫组织化学法检测大肠癌肿瘤组织中EGFR、HER-2、VEGF的表达, 并结合其临床病理特点进行回顾性分析.结果:EGF R、HE R-2、VEGF在大肠癌中的阳性表达率依次为38 . 5%( 30 / 78 ) 、53.8%(42/78)、41.0%(32/78). 三者的表达与性别、年龄、肿瘤部位、分化类型无关, 而与肿瘤的大小、侵袭深度和转移密切相关.EGFR与HER-2及VEGF, HER-2与VEGF在大肠癌肿瘤组织中表达呈正相关(r = 0.421,0.484, 0.469, P = 0.019, 0.012, 0.016).结论:EGFR、HER-2、VEGF的表达参与大肠癌的生长、侵袭和转移过程. 三者的联合检测可作为判断大肠癌预后、筛选高危转移患者的有效指标, 同时, 也可用于指导大肠癌的靶向药物治疗.     

APPL1表达与结直肠癌发生发展的关系及意义

目的:研究APPL1蛋白在人结直肠癌组织中的表达情况与临床病理参数的关系.方法:收集35例新鲜结直肠癌及27例正常直肠黏膜组织,采用免疫组织化学SP法和RT-PCR法检测APPL1在结直肠癌组织及正常直肠黏膜组织中的表达.采用半定量积分分级对该蛋白的表达强弱进行评分.结果:免疫组织化学和RT-PCR结果显示,APPL1蛋白在结直肠癌组织以及正常直肠黏膜组织中普遍表达,但该蛋白和相应的mRNA在癌组织中的表达高于对照组(P<0.05).在35例结直肠癌组织中,APPL1表达与分化程度、淋巴结转移、TNM分期相关(P<0.05),与性别、年龄、肿瘤大小、组织学类型无明显相关(P>0.05).结论:APPL1蛋白在结直肠癌组织中的表达上调,且该蛋白表达与患者肿瘤的分化程度、淋巴结转移情况以及TNM分期有关.APPL1有可能成为结直肠癌治疗的一个新靶点.     

YB-1和P53蛋白在结直肠肿瘤中的表达及意义

目的:探讨YB-1和P53蛋白在结直肠肿瘤不同发展阶段表达水平的差异及其与结直肠癌临床病理特征的关系.方法:采用免疫组织化学方法检测结直肠20例正常组织、30例低级别上皮内瘤变组织、30例高级别上皮内瘤变组织和50例癌组织中YB-1和P53蛋白的表达.结果:YB-1蛋白在结直肠正常组织(NCM)、低级别上皮内瘤变组织(LGIN)、高级别上皮内瘤变组织(HGIN)和癌组织(CRC)中的强阳性率分别为0%、76.7%、80.0%、80.0%,低级别、高级别上皮内瘤变组织和癌组织中的强阳性表达率均与正常组织比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),且在癌组织中其强阳性表达与淋巴结转移和TNM分期有关(P<0.05);P53蛋白在结直肠正常组织、低级别上皮内瘤变组织、高级别上皮内瘤变组织、癌组织中表达分别为0%、6.7%、40.0%、60.0%,高级别上皮内瘤变组织和癌组织中其表达率均与正常组织和低级别上皮内瘤变组织比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),其在癌组织中的表达与分化程度、淋巴结转移和TNM分期有关(P<0.05).在癌组织中YB-1和P53的表达呈正相关性(r=0.306,P<0.05).结论:YB-1和P53蛋白在结直肠癌的发生发展、转移中起重要作用,YB-1和P53蛋白的联合检测可能为判断结直肠癌恶性程度和转移提供重要参考.     

Tyrosine kinase of insulin-like growth factor receptor as target for novel treatment and prevention strategies of colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Long-term survival of colorectal cancer is related to the stage of disease. Once distal metastases develop the prog…     

Correlational research of Golgi phosphorylation protein 3 expression in colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the effect of Golgi phosphorylation protein 3 (GOLPH3) expression on cell apoptosis, angiogenesis and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC).METHODS: The expression of GOLPH3 in CRC tissues and normal colorectal mucosae was determined by immunohistochemistry in 62 patients. In addition, immunohistochemistry was also carried out to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD34 and microvessel density (MVD). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay was used to determine the apoptotic index (AI). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relationship between GOLPH3 expression and survival in another 123 CRC cases.RESULTS: Compared with normal colorectal mucosae, a notably higher level of GOLPH3 protein expression was identified in CRC tissues (53.2% vs 24.2%, P < 0.05). Positive GOLPH3 expression was significantly associated with tumor invasion depth, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001; P = 0.020; P = 0.020; P < 0.05, respectively), but not with tumor length, tumor site, and age (P = 0.363; P = 0.819; P = 0.599; P > 0.05, respectively). VEGF expression and MVD in GOLPH3-positive CRC was significantly higher than in GOLPH3-negative CRC (VEGF: 69.7% vs 31.0%; MVD: 21.45 ± 9.39 vs 14.24 ± 8.97; P < 0.05). GOLPH3 expression was negatively correlated with AI in CRC as shown by Spearman correlation analysis (r = -0.320, P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate in GOLPH3-negative CRC (69.4%) was significantly higher than in GOLPH3-positive CRC (48.6%) (log-rank test, P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: High expression of GOLPH3 is found in CRC tissues. GOLPH3 expression may be a novel prognostic marker for CRC patients.     

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and the type 1 vascular endothelial growth factor receptor correlate with the size of papillary thyroid carcinoma in children and young adults.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential for the growth of many solid tumors, but there are little data regarding VEGH in childhood thyroid cancers. We examined the relationships between VEGF, the type 1 VEGF receptor (FLT-1) and clinical outcome for a group of thyroid cancers in children and young adults. The expression of VEGF and FLT-1 were determined by immunohistochemistry using archival, paraffin-embedded thyroid tissue blocks and compared with the retrospective clinical outcome for each patient. The study included 67 children and young adults with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC, n = 42), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC, n = 8), benign lesions (n = 15), or controls (n = 2). VEGF expression was greater in PTC (mean intensity 2.23 +/- 0.25, p = 0.002) and FTC (2.8 +/- 0.73, p = 0.01) than benign lesions (1.0 +/- 0.27), and correlated with PTC size (r = 0.42, p = 0.008). FLT-1 expression was greater in PTC (mean intensity 2.8 +/- 0.17) than FTC (1.9 +/- 0.25, p = 0.015) and benign lesions (1.7 +/- 0.32, p = 0.002); and correlated with PTC size (r = 0.41, p = 0.01) as well as VEGF expression (r = 0.52, p = 0.002). Recurrent disease developed exclusively in patients with PTC which expressed VEGF (7/28, 95% CI 10.6%-44.2%). PTC that did not express VEGF (0/8, 95% CI = 0%-31.2%) did not recur; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.15). We conclude that the expression of VEGF and FLT-1 are directly correlated with the size of PTC in children and young adults.     

小窝蛋白1和血管内皮生长因子在结直肠癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的:探讨小窝蛋白1(Cav-1)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在结直肠癌组织中的表达,分析其与结直肠癌临床病理因素的关系及意义.方法:收集辽宁省肿瘤医院2007-01/2009-06肿瘤外科手术切除的83例结直肠癌标本及其配对正常结直肠组织（距癌灶边缘＞5 cm）.应用免疫组织化学SP法检测Cav-1和VEGF蛋白在...     

VEGF signaling on hematopoietic precursors restricts B-lymphoid commitment in vitro and in vivo

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signals on vascular and hematopoietic cells via its receptors, VEGFR-2 (KDR) and VEGFR-1 (FLT-1). Elevated levels of VEGF, such as during tumor growth or inflammation, have been suggested to suppress hematopoiesis; most studies refer to KDR as the main receptor involved in this inhibitory effect. In the present study, having detected expression of FLT-1 in B-lymphoid precursors, we exploited the possibility that VEGF signaling via FLT-1 might affect early B-cell commitment. Using a well-established in vitro B-cell differentiation assay, we demonstrate that FLT-1 blockade promotes B-cell commitment and subsequent differentiation, while KDR blockade has no effect on B-cell commitment. In agreement, in vivo transplantation of human (CD34+) or murine (Sca1+l/Lin-) FLT-1-negative hematopoietic precursors into irradiated severe combined immune-deficient mice restored the bone marrow lymphoid compartment, while transplanting the FLT-1-positive counterpart failed to repopulate the lymphoid compartment, and unexpectedly resulted in early death of the irradiated recipients due to hematopoietic suppression. Taken together, we suggest that VEGF signaling via FLT-1 on hematopoietic precursors may restrict lymphopoiesis.     

Bcl-x(L) and Myeloid cell leukaemia-1 contribute to apoptosis resistance of colorectal cancer cells

AIM： TO explore the role of Bcl-XL and Myeloid cell leukaemia （Mcl）-I for the apoptosis resistance of colorectal carcinoma （CRC） cells towards current treatment modalities. METHODS： Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed in CRC cell lines as well as human CRC tissue by Western blot, quantitative PCRand immunohistochemistry. Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 protein expression was knocked down or increased in CRC cell lines by applying specific siRNAs or expression plasmids, respectively. After modulation of protein expression, CRC cells were treated with chemotherapeutic agents, an antagonistic epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR1） antibody, an EGFR1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or with the death receptor ligand TRAIL. Apoptosis induction and cell viability were analyzed. RESULTS： Here we show that in human CRC tissue and various CRC cell lines both Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 are expressed. Bcl-xL expression was higher in CRC tissue than in surrounding non-malignant tissue, both on protein and mRNA level. Mcl-1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in malignant tissues. However, protein expression was slightly higher. Viability rates of CRC cells were significantly decreased after knock down of Bcl-xL expression, and, to a lower extent, after knock down of Mcl-1 expression. Furthermore, cells with reduced Bcl-xL or Mcl-1 expression was more sensitive towards oxaliplatinand irinotecan-induced apoptosis, and in the case of Bcl-xL also towards 5-FU-induced apoptosis. On the other hand, upregulation of Bcl-xL by transfection of an expression plasmid decreased chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis. EGF treatment clearly induced Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 expression in CRC cells. Apoptosis induction upon EGFR1 blockage by cetuximab or PD168393 was increased by inhibiting Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL expression. More strikingly, CD95- and TRAIL-induced apoptosis was increased by Bcl-xL knock down. CONCLUSION： Our data suggest that Bcl-xL and, to a lower extent, Mcl-1, are important anti-apoptotic factors in CRC. Specific do     

Fetal liver kinase 1 is a receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor and is selectively expressed in vascular endothelium.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor, induces endothelial proliferation in vitro and vascular permeability in vivo. The human transmembrane c-fms-like tyrosine kinase Flt-1 has recently been identified as a VEGF receptor. Flt-1 kinase has seven immunoglobulin-like extracellular domains and a kinase insert sequence, features shared by two other human gene-encoded proteins, kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) and FLT-4. In this study we show that the mouse homologue of KDR, Flk-1, is a second functional VEGF receptor. Flk-1 binds VEGF with high affinity, undergoes autophosphorylation, and mediates VEGF-dependent Ca2+ efflux in Xenopus oocytes injected with Flk-1 mRNA. We also demonstrate by in situ hybridization that Flk-1 protein expression in the mouse embryo is restricted to the vascular endothelium and the umbilical cord stroma. VEGF and its receptors Flk-1/KDR and Flt-1 may play a role in vascular development and regulation of vascular permeability.     

Antiangiogenic effects of ganetespib in colorectal cancer mediated through inhibition of HIF-1α and STAT-3

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and STAT-3 play essential roles in angiogenesis. HIF-1α and STAT-3 are clients of the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). We hypothesized that ganetespib, a potent HSP90 inhibitor, would disrupt angiogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) through inhibition of HIF-1α and STAT-3. CRC cell lines (HCT116 and HT29) were used in all the experiments. Egg CAM and HUVEC assays revealed decreased angiogenesis in ganetespib treated cell lines. Ganetespib inhibited matrigel plug vascularization and tumor growth of xenografts. Significant inhibition of PDGFA, FGF2, Ang-1, Ang-2, TGFβ1, VEGF, HIF-1α and STAT-3 expression was observed in both cell lines treated ganetespib. HIF-1α overexpression resulted in the increase VEGF and STAT-3 expression and this was inhibited by ganetespib. HIF-1α knockdown inhibited VEGF and STAT-3 expression. STAT-3 knockdown inhibited VEGF but not HIF-1α expression. HSP90, STAT-3 and VEGF expression was significantly higher in CRC compared to adjacent normal tissue. Significant downregulation of PDGFA, FGF2, Ang-1, Ang-2, TGFβ1, VEGF, STAT-3 and HIF-1α mRNA was observed in the post ganetespib treatment tumor samples from patients with rectal cancer. These results collectively suggest that inhibition of HSP90 is a promising antiangiogenic strategy in CRC. HSP90 angiogenic effects are mediated through HIF-1α and STAT-3.     

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 promotes cell growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer

AIM: To evaluate the expression of special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1 ) gene in colorectal cancer and its role in colorectal cancer cell proliferation and invasion.METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of SATB1 in 30 colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue samples and pair-matched adjacent nontumor samples. Cell growth was investigated after enhancing expression of SATB1. Wound-healing assay and Transwell assay were used to investigate the impact of SATB1 on migratory and invasive abilities of SW480 cells in vitro . Nude mice that received subcutaneous implantation or lateral tail vein were used to study the effects of SATB1 on tumor growth or metastasis in vivo . RESULTS: SATB1 was over-expressed in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines. SATB1 promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in CRC SW480 cells. SATB1 over-expression could promote cell growth in vivo . In addition, SATB1 could significantly raise the ability of cell migration and invasion in vitro and promote the ability of tumor metastasis in vivo . SATB1 could up-regulate matrix metalloproteases 2, 9, cyclin D1 and vimentin, meanwhile SATB1 could down-regulate E-cadherin in CRC. CONCLUSION: SATB1 acts as a potential growth and metastasis promoter in CRC. SATB1 may be useful as a therapeutic target for CRC.