Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in breast cancer tissue, and their relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer patients.

Methods

The expressions of VEGF, PEDF and CD34 were detected in 20 cases of benign breast diseases (fibroadenoma) and 85 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma by Envision immunohistochemical method. CD34 expression reflected microvessel density(MVD).The numeration data were analyzed by Chi-square test, and Spearman rank test was used for correlation analysis.

Results

The positive expression rate of VEGF was 71.7% (61/85) in breast cancer tissue,significantly higher than 40%(8/20)in breast benign tissue (χ²=9.959, P=0.002); The positive expression rate of PEDF was 41.2% (35/85)in breast cancer tissue, significantly lower than 90% (18/20)in breast benign tissue (χ² =19.683, P=0.000); VEGF expression was negatively correlated with PEDF expression(r=-0.365, P=0.019). In invasive ductal carcinoma, the expression of VEGF was significantly related with tumor diameter (χ²=26.31,P=0.000), TNM stage (χ²=5.428,P=0.020), and lymphatic metastasis (χ²=5.368,P=0.021); the expression of PEDF was significantly related with tumor diameter (χ² =11.079,P=0.001), TNM stage (χ² =8.584,P=0.003), menstruation status(χ² =4.507,P=0.034), and ER status(χ²=3.974,P=0.046). The MVD value in PEDF negative was higher than that in PEDF positive group(38.67±6.52 vs 22.56±5.16,Z=-0.984,P=0.000); The MVD value in VEGF positive was higher than that in VEGF negative group (38.78±6.28 vs 25.36±5.12,Z=-0.972,P=0.000).

Conclusion

There is a correlation between PEDF and VEGF expression in breast cancer tissue, and the expressions of the two factors are also related to MVD, which may provide reference to the physicians in recognizing the biological characteristics of breast cancer and guiding the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Key words: Breast neoplasms, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Pigment epithelium-derived factor, Microvessel density