The association of expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ with microcirculation of intra-hepatocellular carcinoma / 肿瘤

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the association of the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) with microvessel density (MVD) and vascularization mimicry (VM) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore their clinical significance. Methods: Thirty-four cases of HCC confirmed by pathological examination between 2003 and 2006 in Nantong Tumor Hospital were recruited in this study. The expressions of PPARγ, MVD and VM were tested by CD34 immunohistochernical (IHC) staining and seriodic acid-schiff (PAS) reaction in 34 cases of HCC tissues and its paired non-cancerous tissues. Their biological behaviors were analyzed and associated with the clinicopathological features. Results: PPARγ was over-expressed (24/34) in HCC tissue. It was associated with tumor size (>5 cm, P =0.027), broken capsule (P =0.014),tendency to metastasis and recurrence (P =0.001). The MVD was higher (23/24) in HCC tissue than that in corresponding para-cancerous tissues (P 5 cm, P =0.010), broken capsule (P =0.001), tendency to metastasis and recurrence (P=0.004), with or without metastasis during follow- up period (P =0.008), and differentiation degree (P =0. 001). The positive expression of VM was detected in 7 out of 34 HCC tissues. The MVD was higher in VM-positive group (P < 0.05). The positive expressions of VM were associated with TNM stage (P =0.001), tendency to recurrence (P =0.029), and differentiation degree (P =0.004). There was a significantly positive correlation between the over-expression of PPARγ and high MVD (r = 0.519). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that positive expression of PPARγ and VM as well as high MVD could be used for predicting the survival rate of HCC patients (P =0.013, 0.036 and 0.022, log-rank test). Cox hazard model analysis showed that positive PPARγ expression and high MVD were the independent prognostic factors for HCC. Conclusion: The PPARγ correlates with the development of microcirculation in HCC. PPARγ is a novel prognostic indicator for evaluating the prognosis of HCC.