Changes in the Expression Profile of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 in Different Grades of Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

Background: VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 are important proteins involved in the induction and development of a new blood vessel network through which the tumor is properly nourished and oxygenated. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expression in endometrial cancer depending on its grade and to determine the VEGFR-1 to VEGFR-2 concentration ratio. Methods: The study group consisted of 45 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (G1, 17; G2, 15; G3, 13). The control group included 15 patients. VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 expression was assessed using the immunohistochemical method. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistica 12 PL program (StatSoft, Cracow, Poland). It included the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (p<0.05). Results: Statistically significant differences in the level of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 were observed between the majority of analyzed groups (except for VEGF-B; G3 vs. G1, p=0.997700). The expression pattern of VEGF-A, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 was as follows: G3>G2>G1>C; VEGF-B: G2> G3> G1>C. A lower concentration of VEGFR-1 than VEGFR-2 was found regardless of the cancer grade. Conclusion: VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 are key proteins involved in tumor angiogenesis. The analysis of the entire panel of proteins participating in a given process is an important element of modern diagnostics. The concentration ratio of VEGFR-1 to VEGFR-2 appears to be a determining factor in the patients' survival prognosis.

Evaluation of the Impact of Cisplatin on Variances in the Expression Pattern of Leptin-Related Genes in Endometrial Cancer Cells

“…Furthermore, molecular marker systems give the ability to display the occurrence of drug resistance before phenotypic changes [38,39], by which, therapy can be changed or adapted at an early enough stage, therefore minimizing the risk of cancer development. Taking into account our observation, our next studies ought to be focused on evaluating leptin and leptin-related pathways in both in vitro and in vivo models and assessing the influence of cisplatin in different endometrial cancer cell lines (EC-1-A, HEC-1-B corresponding to histological grade 2 (G2) and KLE corresponding to histological grade 3 (G3)).…”

Sensor detection in gynaecological medicine

“…131 Another study identified the inflammatory marker SERPINE1 as being highly correlated with endometrial cancer. 132,133 VEGFA was also identified as a potential biomarker for uterine cancer, 132,134 along with VEGFB. 134 Additionally, high fasting levels of insulin and C-peptide were found to be correlated to endometrial cancer.…”

Exosomes on Endometrial Cancer: A Biomarkers Treasure Trove?

“…miR-320a inhibits the proliferation of EC cells by suppressing the HIF1α/VEGFA axis [ 46 ]. Both HIF1a and VEGFA are considered as poor prognostic markers for EC [ 47 , 48 ]. The downregulation of HIF1α/VEGFA levels is also linked to an increased radiosensitivity of EC cells [ 49 ], and exosomes overexpressing miR-320a may be used as a therapeutic agent in EC patients ( Figure 2 ) [ 46 ].…”