Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase suppressor genes RECK, VEGF, and CD105 with angiogenesis and biological behavior in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

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) immunohistochemistry 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 ormal 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 typical 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 mportant roles in the infiltration, metastasis and carcinogenesis in esophageal carcinoma. Angiogenesis in ESCC may be promoted by over-expression of CD105.