Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 overexpression in gastric cancer: Relationship with radiological findings of dual-energy spectral CT and PET-CT

Sci Rep. 2017 Feb 7:7:42020. doi: 10.1038/srep42020.

Abstract

We explored the role of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1) overexpression in gastric cancer and its relationship with radiological findings from dual-energy spectral CT(DEsCT) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). We established mouse metastatic models using the SGC-7901/sFRP1 gastric cancer cell line. A control group was established using the SGC-7901/vector cell line. The models were then scanned with dual-energy spectral CT and PET-CT. Subsequent analysis, including immunohistochemistry and Transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL), was performed to confirm the role of sFRP1. Transwell chamber and angiogenesis assays were conducted to verify the effect of sFRP1 in vitro. We found that the control group showed negative radiological performance with successful implantation. Concurrently, the treated group showed visible lesions, a higher FDG uptake and increasing enhancement. The immunological and histological analysis confirmed the positive radiological performance with larger size, increasing proliferation, more microvessels and less apoptosis. The angiogenic up-regulation of sFRP1 overexpression were further verified with in vitro cell models. This preliminary study demonstrates that sFRP1 overexpression in gastric cancer cells leads to increased cell proliferation and angiogenesis, which may, in turn, contribute to positive PET/CT and CT performances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / administration & dosage
  • Gene Expression
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Stomach Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Transgenes
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • SFRP1 protein, human
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18