Correlation of p53 and bcl-2 expression with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density (MVD) and clinico-pathological features in colon cancer

Cancer Lett. 2004 May 28;208(2):227-34. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2003.11.032.

Abstract

This study was designed to elucidate the possible relationship between tumour related genes and angiogenesis in colon cancer. The protein expression of p53, bcl-2, Von Willebrand factor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were analysed by immunohistochemistry in 57 paraffin-embedded colon cancer. The results showed that microvessel density (MVD) was lower in VEGF negative tumours than in VEGF positive ones (P<0.0001). MVD and VEGF in p53 negative tumours were significantly lower than in p53 positive tumours (respectively, P=0.003 and P<0.0001). Moreover, positive correlations were recorded between VEGF expression and MVD, and bcl-2 expression (respectively, P<0.0001 and P=0.009). Our data confirm the central role of VEGF in angiogenesis and suggest direct correlations among p53, bcl-2 and VEGF expression in colon cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colonic Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Colonic Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / analysis*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / analysis*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / analysis*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A