Expression and significance of VEGF and p53 in degenerate intervertebral disc tissue

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of expression and significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p53 in degenerate intervertebral disc tissue. METHODS: Pathological sections collected from 156 patients with lumbar disc herniation after surgery were tested by immunohistochemistry method, for evaluation of the expression of VEGF and p53 in degenerate intervertebral disc tissue. RESULTS: 98 cases (62.8%) with vascular infiltration phenomenon are found, and positive rates of VEGF and p53 in degenerate intervertebral disc tissue are 73.42% (116/156) and 58.97% (92/156); co-expression rate is 53.2%(83/156); the expression rates of VEFG and p53 are significantly higher in the tissue with blood vessel infiltration than in the tissue without infiltration; there is a close relationship of VEGF with p53. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF and p53 gene synergetic express in degenerate intervertebral disc tissue, working together in neovascularization and infiltration, and accelerating intervertebral disc tissue degeneration.