Role of VEGF-A and its receptors in sporadic and MEN2-associated pheochromocytoma

Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Mar 26;15(4):5323-36. doi: 10.3390/ijms15045323.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO), a rare catecholamine producing tumor arising from the chromaffin cells, may occurs sporadically (76%-80%) or as part of inherited syndromes (20%-24%). Angiogenesis is a fundamental step in tumor proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is the most well-characterized angiogenic factor. The role of angiogenic markers in PHEO is not fully understood; investigations were therefore made to evaluate the expression of VEGF-A and its receptors in PHEO and correlate to clinical parameters. Twenty-nine samples of PHEO were evaluated for VEGF-A, VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) VEGFR-2 expression and microvessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were reviewed in medical records. The mean age of patients was 38±14 years, and 69% were woman. VEGF-A, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 staining were detected in nearly all PHEO samples. No significant correlation was observed between VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 expression or MVD and age at diagnosis, tumor size or sporadic and hereditary PHEO. However, the levels of expression of these molecules were significantly higher in malignant PHEO samples (p=0.027, p=0.003 and p=0.026, respectively).VEGF-A and its receptors were shown to be up-regulated in malignant PHEO, suggesting that these molecules might be considered as therapeutic targets for unresectable or metastatic tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Medulla / blood supply
  • Adrenal Medulla / cytology
  • Adrenal Medulla / pathology
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microvessels / physiology
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Pheochromocytoma / blood supply*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / biosynthesis*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / biosynthesis*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • KDR protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2