A high Ang-2/1 mRNA ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with tumor portal vein invasion, larger tumor diameter, higher microvessel density, and significantly poorer survival time.
Observational (n=46)
Increased expression of Ang-2/1 in the presence of VEGF is associated with tumor angiogenesis, progression, and poorer survival in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular tumor but the mechanisms underlying the process of angiogenesis are not fully understood. Angiopoietins (Ang) have been recently identified as ligands for Tie-2 receptor and are thought to be important factors in vascular maturation and stability during angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the expression of Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in surgically resected specimens from 46 patients with HCC to determine their potential role in tumor angiogenesis and its progression. VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) was significantly up-regulated in HCC compared to normal liver tissue from patients with hepatic metastases. No differences were found between HCC and adjacent liver tissue. Meanwhile, Ang-2 mRNA expression in HCC was significantly increased when compared to adjacent liver tissue. On the other hand, Ang-1 and Tie-2 mRNA expression in HCC was not different from that in adjacent liver tissue. Immunohistochemical staining also showed increased Ang-2 protein in HCC. Furthermore, a high Ang-2/1 mRNA ratio in HCC was closely associated with tumor portal vein invasion, tumor diameter, and the microvessel density level as assessed by CD34 immunostaining. With regard to prognosis, the survival time for patients in the high Ang-2/1 mRNA ratio group was significantly poorer when compared with the low Ang-2/1 mRNA ratio group. In conclusion, an increased expression of Ang-2/1 in the presence of VEGF may play a critical role in promoting tumor angiogenesis and progression in human HCC.
Mitsuhashi et al. (Thu,) conducted a observational in Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n=46). High Ang-2/1 mRNA ratio vs. Low Ang-2/1 mRNA ratio was evaluated on Survival time and tumor progression (portal vein invasion, tumor diameter, microvessel density). A high Ang-2/1 mRNA ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with tumor portal vein invasion, larger tumor diameter, higher microvessel density, and significantly poorer survival time.