Heparanase and basic fibroblast growth factor are co-expressed in malignant mesothelioma

Heparanase is an endoglycosidase that degrades heparan sulfate (HS) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell surfaces, and fulfills a significant role in cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. We evaluated the expression of heparanase and its possible association with the expression of angiogenic molecules in malignant mesothelioma (MM), and analyzed whether expression of these proteins is site-related (pleural vs peritoneal MM, solid lesions vs effusions). Sections from 80 MM (56 biopsies, 24 effusions) were analyzed for heparanase protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Sixty MM were of pleural origin, and 20 were peritoneal. Effusion specimens consisted of 6 peritoneal and 18 pleural effusions, while biopsies consisted of 14 peritoneal and 42 pleural lesions. Fifty-four specimens were additionally evaluated for expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins using IHC. Microvessel density (MVD) was studied in 28 biopsies using an anti-CD31 antibody. mRNA expression of heparanase (HPSE-1), VEGF and the VEGF receptor KDR was analyzed in 23 effusions using RT-PCR. Heparanase protein expression was seen in 69/80 (86%) tumors. Of these, 35 showed combined membrane and cytoplasmic expression, 30 cytoplasmic expression, and four exclusively membrane expression. Both total (P= 0.001) and cytoplasmic (P = 0.002) expression was significantly higher in solid tumors compared to effusions. Protein expression of VEGF, IL-8 and bFGF was seen in 21/54 (39%), 22/54 (41%) and 44/54 (81%) specimens, respectively. Protein expression of bFGF was significantly higher in solid tumors (P 0.001) and correlated with heparanase expression (P = 0.005). HPSE-1 and VEGF mRNA expression was detected in all 23 effusions using RT-PCR, while KDR mRNA was found in 12/23 MM. KDR mRNA expression correlated with that of both HPSE-1 (P = 0.005) and VEGF (P = 0.001). Our results document frequent expression of heparanase in MM, in agreement with the biological aggressiveness of this tumor. The co-expression of heparanase with bFGF is in agreement with the role of the former in releasing bFGF from the ECM. The concomitant reduction in protein expression of both molecules in effusions as compared to solid tumors, supports the hypothesis of a reduced need for pro-angiogenic stimuli in effusions, and may aid in defining tumor progression in this setting.