Ustekinumab therapy changes the transcriptional activity pattern of TGF-ß1-3 genes.

INTRODUCTION: One of the examples of genes whose expression can be altered by the action of ustekinumab is TGF-ß. It is a pleiotropic cytokine whose activity affects psoriatic changes and the state of homeostasis of the whole organism. AIM: To evaluate the effect of ustekinumab on the transcriptional activity of TGF-ß family genes in patients with psoriatic arthritis and to check whether the results obtained can be helpful in monitoring the progress of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From total PBMCs obtained from peripheral blood of 14 patients with psoriatic arthritis, total RNA was isolated. The expression level of the TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 genes was determined by RT-qPCR in real time. RESULTS: In all the analysed samples, the presence of mRNA of three TGF-ß isoforms was quantitated in each week of therapy. TGF-ß3 and the smallest TGF-ß2 showed the highest expression. Statistically significant correlations were observed in the amount of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3/µg mRNA RNA, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß2/µg RNA and TGF-ß3 and TGF-ß3/µg RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Ustekinumab influences the transcriptional activity of TGF-ß genes, and the changes caused have a bearing on the patient's health.

The Influence of Adalimumab and Cyclosporine A on the Expression Profile of the Genes Related to TGFß Signaling Pathways in Keratinocyte Cells Treated with Lipopolysaccharide A.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, cyclosporine A (CsA) conventional therapy is used and biological, anti-cytokine treatment using, for example, anti-TNF drug-adalimumab. AIM: This study aimed at investigating the effect of CsA and adalimumab on the profile of mRNAs and protein expression associated with transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) pathways in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) culture previously exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HaCaT culture was exposed to 1 ng/ml LPS for 8 hours+8 µg/ml adalimumab for 2, 8, and 24 hours or 1 ng/ml LPS for 8 hours+100 ng/ml CsA for 2, 8, and 24 hours and compared to the control culture. Sulphorodamine B cytotoxicity assay was performed. The expression profile of mRNA related to TGFß paths was indicated by microarray and RTqPCR analyses. The ELISA test was used to analyze changes on the proteome level. Statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA analysis and the post hoc Tukey test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The cytotoxicity test showed that LPS, adalimumab, and cyclosporine in the concentration used in this experiment did not have any cytotoxicity effect on HaCaT cells. The largest fold changes (FC) in expression in (∣FC | >4.00) was determined for TGFß1-3, TGFßRI-III, SKIL, SMURF2, SMAD3, BMP2, BMP6, JAK2, UBE2D1, SKP2, EDN1, and PRKAR2B (p < 0.05). In addition, on the protein level, the direct changes observed at mRNA were the same. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the microarray expression profile of genes associated with TGFß signaling pathways has demonstrated the potential of cyclosporin A and adalimumab to induce changes in their transcriptional activity. The anti-TNF drug seems to affect TGFß cascades to a greater extent than cyclosporin A. The obtained results suggest that the regularity of taking the drug is important for the efficacy of psoriasis therapy.

The relation between plasma α-synuclein level and clinical symptoms or signs of Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson disease (PD) is the common neurodegenerative disease. α-Synuclein (ASN), main aggregating protein in neural cells of CNS in PD, was found in peripheral fluids. Testing ASN in plasma is potential test for diagnose PD, but previous studies are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate if plasma ASN level may be a valuable biomarker, is the level of plasma ASN concentration different in various motor subtypes of diseases, is there a relation between the level of plasma ASN and the severity of motor symptoms. METHODS: Patients with PD hospitalized in Neurology Department, Medical College were performed sequencing the 8th and 9th exon of GBA gene. Next plasma ASN level was tested in 58 patients with sequenced GBA gene and in 38 healthy volunteers (HV), matched by the age (respectively 68.43 vs. 64.57 years of age) and sex (female %, respectively: 43.10 vs.44.74). Patients were assessed with the scales: UPDRS (II, III, IV), Hoehn-Yahr (HY) and qualified to PIGD or TD subtype. For homogeneity of the group patients with GBA mutation were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: The ASN level did not differ between patients and HV (respectively: 4.53 vs. 3.73ng/ml) and between patients with different subtypes. There was inverse correlation between ASN and HY in PIGD subtype. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma ASN level is not valuable marker of the disease. It does not differ in subtypes of the disease. There is relation between plasma ASN level and the severity of the disease in PIGD subtype.

Differential expression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1ß, nuclear factor κB in nasal mucosa among chronic rhinosinusitis patients with and without polyps.

INTRODUCTION: The pathogenesis of nasal polyps is still not fully understood. AIM: To analyze the topography and intensity of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS-2), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expressions in eosinophilic and neutrophilic polyps and in normal nasal mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included specimens from 20 patients with eosinophilic polyps (more than 10% of eosinophils in inflammatory infiltrate), 20 individuals with neutrophilic polyps (predominance of neutrophils and less than 10% of eosinophils), and samples of normal nasal mucosa from 10 controls. The expressions of studied proteins in vascular endothelial cells, epithelial, stromal and glandular cells were determined immunohistochemically with specific monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Irrespective of the cellular type, the intensity of expressions in eosinophilic and neutrophilic polyps was significantly higher than in the normal mucosa. Eosinophilic polyps were characterized by stronger expressions of TNF-α (in all cellular types), IL-1ß (in endothelial, glandular and epithelial cells), NF-κB (in stromal and epithelial cells), COX-2 (in glandular and stromal cells), and NOS-2 (in endothelial and stromal cells). In contrast, neutrophilic polyps showed significantly stronger expressions of COX-2 (in epithelial and endothelial cells) and NOS-2 (in glandular and epithelial cells). In both phenotypes, the strongest expressions of all studied markers were documented in vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory markers are involved in pathogenesis of both eosinophilic and neutrophilic polyps. Endothelial defects can play an important role in the development of nasal polyps.

Expression of VEGF isoforms and their receptors in uterine myomas.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) isoforms and their receptors in uterine myomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 40 women with myomas of reproductive age and 40 perimenopausal women (the study group). Myometrial samples (the control group) were taken from 10 women undergoing hysterectomy for ovarian tumors and 10 older women undergoing hysterectomy for uterine prolapse. RESULTS: A significantly increased expression of VEGF-A has been found in myomas, both small and large, in the younger women, which may by a sign of increased angiogenesis and intensive tumor growth. In perimenopausal women, the increase of VEGF expression was observed only in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle. CONCLUSION: An important conclusion of this study is that angiogenesis is independent of myoma size, which may suggest intensive tumor growth and the related increased angiogenesis. High expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-R1 receptors in large myomas can probably cause malignant transformation and more extensive growth, regardless of patient age.

Survivin in ovary tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family which are selectively overexpressed in human neoplasms, and its expression has been shown to be connected with cell proliferation. We analyzed survivin expression in ovarian epithelial neoplasms to evaluate its role in the development of ovarian tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry assays were conducted in 137 cases (48 ovarian carcinoma, 43 borderline ovarian carcinoma, 46 benign ovarian tumor and 20 samples of normal ovarian tissue of ovarian epithelial neoplasms. Histological types included serous (n = 68) and mucinous (n = 69) tumors. All tumors were reviewed histopathologically and classified according to the WHO criteria. RESULTS: Survivin expression in the group of serous neoplasms was detected in 24.0% (6 of 25) of benign cases, in 60.0% (12 of 20) of borderline tumors, and 91.0% (24 of 47) of ovarian carcinomas. In the group of mucinous tumors, survivin expression was found in 33.5% (7 of 21) of benign cases, 43.5% (10 of 23) of borderline tumors, and 80.0% (20 of 25) of malignant tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that survivin overexpression may play a crucial role in the development of epithelial ovarian neoplasms and be an important prognostic factor for the influence of survivin expression on epithelial ovarian cancers.

Kinin Receptors and Kinin-Related Gene Expression in Astrocytic Brain Tumors.

Kinins are a set of peptides present in tissues that are involved in the inflammatory response and cancer progression. However, studies showing the expression of kinin receptors in human glioma samples are still incomplete and contradictory. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the expression of BDKRB1 and BDKRB2 genes, as well as the level of B1R and B2R proteins in human gliomas, depending on the degree of malignancy. Additionally, representative kinin-dependent genes with altered expression were indicated. The expression profile of kinin-dependent genes was determined using oligonucleotide microarray technique. In addition, RT-qPCR was used to assess the expression level of selected differentiating genes. The location of kinin receptors in brain gliomas was assessed using immunohistochemical methods. The oligonucleotide microarray method was used to identify 12 mRNA IDs of kinin-related genes whose expression was upregulated or downregulated in gliomas of different grades. In immunohistochemically stained samples, the concentrations of BR1 and BR2 proteins, measured by optical density, were statistically significantly higher in grade G3 vs. G2 and G4 vs. G3. Increased expression of kinin receptors BDKRB1 and BDKRB2 in brain gliomas, depending on the degree of malignancy, suggests the involvement of kinins and their receptors in the disease's pathogenesis. Quantitative assessment of mRNA BDKRB1, PRKAR1A, MAP2K, and EGFR in patients with brain tumors may hold diagnostic and therapeutic significance.

Is TGF-ß1 a Biomarker of Huntington's Disease Progression?

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease that can be divided into preclinical and symptomatic stages. Due to the diverse HD phenotype, there is an urgent need to identify markers that would independently assess its severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of plasma levels of TGF-ß1 in the assessment of HD severity. One hundred HD patients and 40 healthy volunteers were included in the study. All HD patients underwent neurological and cognitive function assessment. TGF-ß1 levels were determined in the plasma of all patients. The correlations between TGF-ß1 levels and clinical profile and HD severity were also investigated. In symptomatic patients, cognitive decline was demonstrated, while in preclinical patients, no symptoms were found. Plasma levels of TGF-ß1 in HD patients did not differ significantly from the control group and did not change with the progression of the disease. In addition, TGF-ß1 levels also did not correlate with the severity of motor dysfunction. Positive correlations between plasma TGF-ß1 concentration and intensity of cognitive impairment were found, but only in the early disease stage. There was no clear benefit in assessing plasma TGF-ß1 levels in HD patients as a marker of disease severity.

The Utility of BDNF Detection in Assessing Severity of Huntington's Disease.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the survival and maturation of neurons, and also promotes and controls neurogenesis. Its levels are lowered in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). Clinical pictures of HD can be very diverse, which makes it difficult to assess its severity; however, molecular markers may be helpful. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between HD severity and the plasma BDNF concentration in HD patients. The study recruited 42 patients with diagnosed and genetically confirmed HD and 40 healthy volunteers. BDNF levels were determined in plasma with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlations between BDNF levels and clinical profiles and HD severity were also investigated. The BDNF level was significantly lower in HD patients compared to the control. There was no correlation between the BDNF level and motor symptoms and cognitive impairment. In the early disease stages, BDNF levels were associated with a better neurological examination, independence, and functional evaluation, in contrast to later HD stages, where the correlations were inverse. Multidirectional correlations between parameters of saccadic disorders and the BDNF level do not allow for drawing a conclusion, whether or not there is a relationship between the severity of saccadic disorders and the BDNF concentration.

Outside stenting of the vein graft decreases VEGF-A expression and induces significant down-regulation of VEGFR-1 in the intimal and medial layers after the re-endothelialization period.

BACKGROUND: Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) in vein grafts implanted into the arterial system develops after re-endothelialization and is considered a significant risk factor of occlusion. Evidence suggests that VEGF-A expression with VEGFR-2 activation and/or VEGFR-1 down-regulation might be involved in inhibiting NIH formation. The aim was to assess whether a stented vein graft (SV) has an impact on VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 expression compared with non-stented vein grafts. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twelve sheep received a radial vein with an outside stent (SV) and a radial vein (RV) transplanted into their carotid arteries. The covering of the luminal surface of the SV and RV grafts by endothelium was 98.3% and 96.3%, respectively, at 6 weeks. From the 6th to 12th weeks after transplantation, the time course of total VEGF-A expression and VEGFR-1 expression were evaluated separately for the intima and media. RESULTS: VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 expression were significantly lower in the SV than in the RV group in the intima. In the media the SV grafts were associated with higher VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 expression at 6 and 8 weeks, but lower values were observed at weeks 10 and 12 compared with the RV grafts. Comparing the time courses of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 expression in the intima and media with intimal/medial thickening in the SV and RV groups, negative correlations for the SV grafts were found. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that outside stenting of the vein graft decreases VEGF-A expression and induces significant down-regulation of VEGFR-1 in the intima and media after the re-endothelialization.

[Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on proliferation and apoptosis in stomach antrum in smoking patients]. / Wplyw infekcji Helicobacter pylori na proliferacje i apoptoze komórek odzwiernika zoladka u pacjentów palacych papierosy.

Peptic ulcer disease develops if the balance between aggressive and defensive factors is destroyed. Among the identified risk factors are Helicobacter pylori infection (Hp), stress, cigarette smoking and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the exact ulcerogenic mechanism of these factors remains not fully elucidated; yet habitual smoking is the most controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cigarette smoking and/or Hp infection on gastric mucosa expression of COX-2, iNOS and proliferation and apoptosis processes (Ki-67 and active caspase 3 expressions, respectively). In smokers without Hp all studied parameters were higher than in nonsmoker without Hp group. Hp infection increases iNOS , COX-2 and active caspase 3 expression. Highest values for iNOS, COX-2 and Ki-67 was observed in smoker with Hp infection group. Hp infection in smokers significantly decrease active caspase 3 expression.

Variances in the Level of COX-2 and iNOS in Different Grades of Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Many experimental studies have demonstrated the importance of COX-2 in the tumor angiogenesis. Inducible iNOS is responsible for a high and stable level of nitric oxide and is expressed in response to pro-inflammatory factors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of COX-2 and iNOS at the protein level and to assess their potential prognostic significance in patients with endometrial cancer. METHODS: The study group consisted of 45 women with endometrial cancer divided according to the degree of histological differentiation i.e. G1, 17; G2, 15; G3, 13. The control group consisted of 15 women without neoplastic changes. The expression of studied proteins was determined immunohistochemically with specific polyclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Analysis of the COX-2 expression showed that the optical density of the reaction product in G1 reached 186% in the control group, while the values in G2 and G3 reached 243% and 293%, respectively. In the case of iNOS, the optical density of the reaction product reached the following percentages in the control group: 147% in G1, 243% in G2, and 241% in G3. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that changes in the expression of COX-2 and iNOS may be potentially useful in predicting the progression of endometrial cancer and treatment effectiveness.

A new external stent - intimal proliferation and apoptosis in the vein graft in the animal model.

BACKGROUND: We have previously showed that the extravascular dacron mesh stent wrapped around a vein graft and implanted into the arterial system prevented the hypertrophy of the graft's wall, impeded the overgrowth of the intima and decreased the proliferation rate of venous graft cellular elements. AIM: To determine the role of cellular proliferation and apoptosis in the process of remodelling in the stent in an animal model in a 12-week period. METHODS: Male sheep (n = 21) received by transplantation the hybrid graft (group 1) or carotid artery radial vein grafts (group 2). A hybrid graft was composed of a radial vein, collagen fibrin glue and highly flexible torlen/dacron mesh tubing. Grafts were retrieved on day 5, 9 and then week 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, respectively. A proliferation process was assessed using a Ki-67 antigen kit. The presence of apoptosis was detected using a TUNEL kit, strictly according to the manufacturer's manual. RESULTS: The number of proliferating cells has presented a decreasing trend in both groups, whereas the mean quantity of apoptotic cells increased over a 12-week period (p < 0.001) in both groups. Proliferation was more prominent during the first 5 weeks in both groups. The trend had a tendency to reverse during the last 7 weeks of observation. The ratio of proliferating to apoptotic cells differed between groups (1.6 vs. 1.9 on day 5 and 0.2 vs. 0.6 in week 12, in group 1 and group 2, respectively). No linear correlation between proliferation and apoptosis was observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Different kinetics in the trico hybrid graft group in comparison with the radial vein graft group was observed, with a more prominent cellular turnover in the trico hybrid graft. Apoptosis in an unprotected vein wall was overcomed by the proliferation process. In trico hybrid vein grafts, beneficial remodelling of the intimal layer was predominantly dependent on inhibition of intimal proliferation rather than the effect of changes of the apoptosis ratio. There was no linear correlation between proliferation and apoptosis in the investigated grafts.

Immunohistochemical localization of telomerase in myomas and in uterine myometrium.

Telomerase activity could be a potential marker for the neoplastic process, because it is absent in normal cells and present in tumor cells. Immunohistochemical studies were conducted using samples obtained from 32 uterine myomas, each sample having a size of 3-4 cm and obtained from women between 35 and 45 years of age. These studies also concentrated on fragments of macroscopically unaltered myometrium, collected 3-4 cm from a uterine tumor. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibody to the catalytic unit of telomerase (hTERT; clone 44F12, NCL-L-hTERT, Novocastra Laboratories, UK). This study aimed at detecting a possible presence of potentially neoplastic cells in the margins of healthy tissue, which was removed together with the primary tumor. The results were classified according to the number of telomerase-positive cells. Tumors of the first group had up to 50% telomerase-positive cells, while their content in the second group exceeded 50%. Our study demonstrated an almost two-fold increase in the number of telomerase-positive tumor cells compared with myometrial cells 3-4 cm from the tumor. Hopefully, investigating the presence of telomerase in both uterine myometrium and myoma could facilitate the diagnosis of the neoplastic process.

Nuclear factor-kappa B as potential therapeutic target in human colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: It has been proved that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is activated in all cells, promotes proliferation of cells, regulates the immunological and inflammatory response, and contribute to the pathogenesis of many conditions, including cancer. Many studies pointed to constitutive activation of NF-κB in cells of certain malignant tumors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of nuclear growth factor κB as colon cancer marker and prognostic factor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 59 primary colorectal tumor patients and 15 patients in control group. The tumor samples were taken during partial colectomy and colonoscopy in control group. Tissues samples were fixed and embedded in paraffin blocks and cut. Sections were used for schedule immunohistochemical staining with the application of specific antibody for NF-κB epitope. The marker expression was compared with well-known prognostic factors in colon tumors such as tumor type, stage, and grade to establish if it might be a potential prognostic factor. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant difference between control group and cancer group. CONCLUSIONS: The expression NF-κB did not depend on the stage and grade of colon tumors.

Expression Profile of Endoglin in Different Grades of Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endoglin is a marker of active, proliferating endothelial cells of blood vessels. In many cancers, it is present in both peripheral vessels and vessels located inside the tumor. Endoglin is more specific and sensitive compared to other tumor angiogenesis markers. It is suggested that endoglin can be considered a reliable marker of disease outcome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the expression of endoglin and to determine its potential usefulness as a complementary molecular marker of endometrial cancer. METHOD: The study included 60 women who underwent hysterectomy: 45 with endometrioid endometrial cancer (study group) and 15 without neoplastic changes (control group). The study group was further divided according to the degree of histological differentiation: G1, 17; G2, 15; and G3, 13. The expression of endoglin was determined immunohistochemically with mouse anti-Endoglin monoclonal antibody. The obtained reactions were evaluated using light microscopy. RESULTS: Analysis of endoglin expression in endothelium showed that it reached 145% of the control. In G2, we observed that the endoglin level decreased and was similar to the control, while in G3 it increased and was even higher than in G1. In cancer cells, endoglin expression increased with the grade of endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: Endoglin can be considered a valuable complementary molecular marker, allowing to visualize the advancement of the cancer process, including endometrial cancer.

Ozone therapy in induced endotoxemic shock. II. The effect of ozone therapy upon selected histochemical reactions in organs of rats in endotoxemic shock.

Mitochondria and lysosomes were evaluated by assessment of changes in activity of selected enzymes: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase), acid phosphatase (AcPase) and beta-glucuronidase (BG) in rats under profound hypoxia induced by endotoxemic shock. The study was conducted on adult male Wistar rats. The animals formed the following four groups of 15 rats each: control animals (C);-rats receiving intraperitonally O(2)/O(3) (CO), rats receiving of Escherichia coli toxin (LPS) (CL); rats receiving LPS plus oxygen-ozone mixture (OL). Histoenzymatic examinations of liver, kidney, lungs, and heart muscle were performed. Lipopolysaccharide suppressed activities of all the enzymes except for LDH, the activity of which as high as a fourfold increase. The results demonstrated potent, stabilizing and regenerative effects of ozone therapy on body enzymatic processes in course of induced endotoxemic shock in rats, which might prove to be of clinical significance.

Ozonotherapy in an induced septic shock. I. Effect of ozonotherapy on rat organs in evaluation of free radical reactions and selected enzymatic systems.

The confirmed advantageous effects of oxygen/ozone therapy in several clinical conditions stimulated experimental studies on effects of the therapy in rats with an induced septic shock. The studies were conducted on adult male rats of Wistar strain. Four groups of the animals, each of 15 rats, included: I--control group, (C); II--animals intraperitoneally administered with O(2)/O(3) (CO), III--rats given of Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide-LPS) (CL), IV--rats administered with the lipopolysaccharide plus administered with the oxygen/ozone mixture (OL). Activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and of free radical reactions were estimated. The exposure to LPS augmented activities of SOD and of catalase in liver, lungs and heart. In all the examined organs LPS induced significant changes in levels of free radicals. Except of the lungs, parallel administration of the rats with LPS and ozone/oxygen revoked development of the alterations. The obtained results point to a strong, stabilizing and regenerative effect of ozonotherapy.

Identification of a gene expression profile associated with the regulation of angiogenesis in endometrial cancer.

The publication of the human genome sequence provided direction in the search for novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the treatment of human diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that the expression profile of genes involved in the regulation of angiogenesis may be a marker in endometrial cancer that facilitates the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, as well as the identification of novel therapeutic targets. The current study included 36 patients with grade (G) 1 to 3 endometrial cancer, and a control group of patients consisting of females that qualified for the removal of the uterus. Out of these, 28 samples (control, 3; G1, 7; G2, 12; and G3, 6) were selected for microarray analysis. Molecular analysis of the endometrial samples involved the extraction of total RNA, purification of the obtained extracts and subsequent analysis of the gene expression profiles using an oligonucleotide microarray technique (GeneChip® Human Genome U133A plates). The results indicated that the mRNA expression profile of genes involved in the regulation of angiogenesis varies depending on the degree of histological differentiation of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Similar results were obtained from descriptive statistics characterizing the expression profile of 691 mRNAs associated with the regulation of angiogenesis in the groups of patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. In addition, the results of the present study indicated that neuropilin2 (NRP2) may serve an important role in the activity of endothelial cells, and may affect vascular endothelial growth factor, and potentially plexins and integrins via regulation of their functions. An understanding of how these proteins interact remains to be determined; however, elucidating these interactions may provide an explanation for the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that NRP2 may be a valuable target for investigation in future pharmacological studies involving angiogenesis in endometrial cancer.