VEGH and HIF-1α expression in nephroblastoma correlates with anaplasia
HIF-1α (hypoxia inducible factor 1α) is a transcription factor that has a role in maintaining oxygen homeostasis. Increased expression of HIF-1α leads to a rise in amount of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), thus inducing neovascularization. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α in nephroblastoma and to compare it with the clinical and pathohistological characteristics of this tumour (dominant histological component, presence of anaplasia and necrosis, size of the tumour, age and sex of the patient). Expression of VEGF and HIF-1α was determined by immunohistochemistry of the tumour tissue. Monoclonal mouse anti-VEGF and polyclonal rabbit anti-HIF-1α antibodies were used. For immunoscoring of both markers the degree of positive staining was evaluated semiquantitatively. The χ²-test, which includes Spearman’s rank correlation and the ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis of data. Most of the tumours were positive for VEGF (38/40) and HIF-1α (37/40). Significant statistical correlation was found between HIF-1α and the presence of anaplasia (p=0.02986). A clear correlation between VEGF and tumour size was established (Spearman’s rank correlation: p=0.0027), showing strong positivity in larger tumours. Based on this study we can conclude that VEGF and HIF-1α are present in Wilms’ tumours, playing an important role in angiogenesis and tumour progression.Keywords: VEGF-A protein, human; HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR 1, ALPHA SUBUNIT; WILMS TUMOUR; ANAPLASIA
Category: Original scientific paper
Volume: Vol. 54, No 3, july - september 2010
Authors: A. Pajić, T. Džombeta, N. Cigrovski, P. Radulović, A. Čizmić, J. Stepan. B. Krušlin
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