Immunohistochemical Study of Transforming Growth Factor-Alpha in Human Lung Cancers

Abstract

The expression of transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) was assessed by immunohistochemical staining in 52 human lung tumor samples. All of the 8 small cell lung cancers were negative whereas all of the 18 adenocarcinomas and 23 of the 26 squamous cell carcinomas showed positive immunoreaction to TGFα. Distribution of TGFα stainings in the squamous cell carcinomas was weaker and more heterogeneous as compared to the adenocarcinomas. Ultrastructural localization of TGFα in the squamous cell lung carcinomas by indirect immunogold staining revealed that TGFα is present in the cytoplasm as well as the cell membrane but not in the nucleus. This suggests that the lung cancer cells are not only the producer of TGFα, but also the target cells of the TGFα action. The expression of TGFα in lung tumors may be useful diagnostically in differentiating small cell lung cancer from non-small cell lung cancer and may also be important in the study of the biological properties of primary lung cancers.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, as prognostic indicators in NSCLC

“…Many growth factors have been shown to be significantly related to non-small cell carcinoma and present in NSCLC tissue [3,4]. Most studies published in the literature agree that expressions of bFGF, VEGF and thymidine phosphorylase are important prognostic factors in cases of NSCLC [13].…”

“…Angiogenesis regulates the growth and metastasis of solid tumors and has recently emerged as a therapeutic target for the development of anti-angiogenic agents for cancer treatment [1,2]. NSCLC tissue produces many growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-a, transforming growth factor-b, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) [3,4]. These growth factors are involved in a wide range of activities, including promotion of mitogenesis, angiogenesis, chemotaxis, cellular differentiation, and tissue repair.…”

TRX is up-regulated by fibroblast growth factor-2 in lung carcinoma

“…Lung cancer tissue produces many growth factors, including epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factors, platelet‐derived growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2). These growth factors are known to be involved in a wide range of activities, including promotion of mitogenesis, angiogenesis, chemotaxis, cellular differentiation, and tissue repair (2–4).…”