Vascular endothelial growth factors C and D and lymphangiogenesis at the early stage of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression.
Dis Esophagus
; 31(8)2018 Aug 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29800478
ABSTRACT
We conducted a detailed study of lymphangiogenesis and subsequent lymph node metastasis in early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using immunostaining for D2-40 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and D. The study materials included 13 samples of normal squamous epithelium, 6 samples of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), and 60 samples of superficial ESCC (M1 and M2 cancer 24; M3 or deeper cancer 36). We assessed lymphatic vessel density (LVD) using D2-40 and immunoreactivity for VEGF-C and D in relation to histological type, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis. LVD in M1 and M2 lesions and M3 or deeper lesions was significantly higher than in normal squamous epithelium (P < 0.001). High expression of VEGF-C and D was observed in M1 and M2 cancer and in M3 or deeper cancer, but not in normal squamous epithelium or LGIN. LVD in VEGF-C- and D-positive cases was significantly higher than in negative cases (P < 0.001). In M3 or deeper cancer, the correlation between VEGF-C or D status and lymphatic invasion or lymph node metastasis was not significant. LVD in cases with positive lymphatic invasion and those with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than in cases lacking either (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). ESCC cells produce VEGF-C and D from the very early stage of progression. VEGF-C and D activate lymphangiogenesis, and this increase of lymphatic vessels leads to lymphatic invasion and subsequent lymph node metastasis.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Esophageal Neoplasms
/
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
/
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D
/
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Dis Esophagus
Year:
2018
Document type:
Article