Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 expression in breast cancer and its correlation to vascular endothelial growth factor a.

VEGF-A is the most potent angiogenic factor in tumour angiogenesis. Its effects are mediated via two receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. Primary aim of our study was to examine the expression of VEGFR-1 in breast cancer and its correlation to VEGF expression, lymph node status, tumour size, histological grade, and hormone receptor status. To examine the VEGFR-1 and VEGF expressions in tumour and surrounding tissue of 51 breast cancer patients, and in healthy breast tissue of 30 benign breast diseases patients, we used three-step immunohistochemical staining. VEGFR-1 and VEGF expressions were significantly increased in breast cancer tumour in relation to surrounding tissue (P < 0.01), and the VEGF expression was significantly increased in lymph node positive breast cancer patients (P < 0.01). VEGFR-1 and VEGF expressions were significantly higher in breast cancer tumour compared with healthy breast tissue (P < 0.01). Significant correlation between VEGF and VEGFR-1 expressions was found (P < 0.05). No significant correlations between VEGF and VEGFR-1 expressions and tumour size, histological grade, and hormone receptor status were found. Increased expression of VEGFR-1 and VEGF in breast cancer tumour and significant correlation between these proteins suggest the possible role of VEGF/VEGFR-1 signalization in breast cancer development, although VEGFR-1 potential prognostic value was not confirmed.

Interleukin 13 expression in the primary breast cancer tumour tissue.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and the expression levels of the interleukin 13 (I1-13) in the primary breast cancer tumour tissue in relation to the unchanged breast tissue in the same patients and to the breast tissue in the patients with benign breast disease, and to investigate the correlation between the IL-13 expression levels and the pathohistological factors, and between IL-13 expression and estrogens and progesterone receptor status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer and 20 patients with benign breast diseases were included in this prospective case-control study. The three-step immunohistochemical staining was used for testing the levels of IL-13 expression and hormone receptor status. RESULTS: IL-13 was present in breast cancer tumour tissue, and in the surrounding unchanged tissue in the same patients, and in breast tissue in patients with benign breast disease. The expression of IL-13 was significantly higher in breast cancer tumour compared with surrounding tissue (P < 0.05) of the same, lymph node-positive patients. In addition, IL-13 expression was significantly higher in breast cancer tumour compared with breast tissue in patients with benign breast diseases (P < 0.01). There was significant correlation between IL-13 expression and tumour size in patients with lymph node-negative breast cancer (r = 0.405, P = 0.050). There was no significant correlation between IL-13 expression and the other pathohistological factors, and no significant correlation between IL-13 expression and the lymph node status. CONCLUSION: Obtained results suggest possible involvement of IL-13 in breast carcinogenesis.

Interleukin 18 expression in the primary breast cancer tumour tissue.

AIM: To investigate the presence and expression levels of the IL-18 in the primary breast cancer tissue in relation to the unchanged breast tissue in same patients and the breast tissue in patients with benign breast disease, as well as the correlation between the IL-18 expression levels and pathohistological factors, including the correlation between IL-18 expression and the estrogens and progesterone receptor status. METHODS: This prospective randomized study was conducted at the Policlinic for Laboratory Diagnostics of the University Clinical Centre of Tuzla. 50 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer and 20 patients with benign breast diseases were included in the study. The tree-step immunohistochemical staining was used for testing the levels of IL-18 expression and hormone receptor status. RESULTS: IL-18 was present in the breast cancer tumour, in the surrounding unchanged tissue of the same patients and in the breast tissue of patients with benign breast tumour and other benign breast disease. The expression of this interleukin was significantly higher in breast cancer tumour tissue as compared to its expression in surrounding unchanged tissue of the same patients (p < 0.05), whereas IL-18 expression was not significantly higher in breast cancer tumours compared to its expression in breast tissue of the patients with benign breast diseases (p = 0.057). There was no significant correlation between IL-18 expression and the lymph node status, and between IL-18 expression and the pathohistological factors. CONCLUSION: The results suggest possible involvement of IL-18 in complex mechanisms of breast carcinogenesis.