Relationship between tumour angiogenesis and expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A in human renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: *These authors contributed equally to this work. To study the relationship between tumour angiogenesis and expression of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A in human renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: Archival samples of primary human renal cell carcinoma tissue and surrounding normal renal tissue (control samples) obtained from patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma were analysed for COX-2 and VEGF-A expression by immunohistochemistry using specific monoclonal antibodies. Tumour microvasculature was examined using factor VIII-related antigen antibody staining. RESULTS: A total of 33 renal cell carcinoma and 12 control renal tissue specimens were included. COX-2 and VEGF-A genes were overexpressed in tumour specimens compared with normal epithelia. A significant correlation was found between COX-2 and VEGF-A expression. Microvessel density was found to be increased in tumour tissues that expressed COX-2 and VEGF-A. CONCLUSION: Microvessel density was increased in tumour tissues that expressed COX-2 and VEGF-A, suggesting that COX-2 and VEGF-A are related to tumour angiogenesis in human renal cell carcinoma.