Implication of Angiogenesis and Expression of VEGF in Follicular Thyroid Tumor

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1998;14(1):70-75.
Published online May 30, 1998.

Ki Sun Ryu;Euy Young Soh;Hyun ee Yim;Myung Wook Kim

여포상 갑상선종양에서 신생혈관형성 및 혈관내피성장인자(VEGF)의 발현의 의의

류기선;소의영;임현이;김명욱

Abstract

Tumor growth and metastasis depends on angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mitogen for vascular endothelial cells in vitro and promotes neoangiogenesis in vivo. Objective: Follicular thyroid cancers(FTC) are a vascular tumor and traditionally metastasize via blood vessels. Likely other cancers, angiogenesis may playa important role in FTC. We, therefore, investigated the expression of VEGF and microvascular density by immunohistochemistry in FTC and follicular adenoma(FA). Materials and Methods: Findings of immunohistochemical stainings for VEGF and CD31 were measured by grading scale from +1 to 4+(strongest) and by counting the stained microvessels in 14 FTCs and 14 FAs.
Results
1) Expression of VEGF. a) FTCs have stronger expression than FAs in areas of tumor adjacent to capsule(mean±SD3.2±0.9vs2.0±0.9, p 2.3±0.7vs1.3±0.6, p 78.9±27.3vs38.7±15.6, p 75.5±23.3vs27.8±10.7, p 0.05).
Conclusion
The higher expression of VEGF and microvascular density in FTC suggests angiogenesis plays an important role in progression of FTC.

Key Words: Angiogenesis, Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), Follicular thyroid cancer CD31, Immunohistochemistry