Correlation of Smad4 and VEGF-C expressions with lymphangiogenesis in human laryngocarcinoma

Objective To investigate the effects of Smad4 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-C in lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis,we observed the expressions of Smad4 and VEGF-C in laryngocarcinoma.Methods Fifty-eight paraffin-embedded specimens from patients with laryngocarcinoma were included in this study.All of 58 specimens were divided into lymph node metastatic group(n=34) and nonmetastatic group(n=24).The expressions of Smad4 and VEGF-C were detected by immunohistochemical stain and Western blot.D2-40 was used for detecting lymphangiogenesis in laryngocarcinoma.Results The expression level of Smad4 in carcinoma tissue was significantly higher in nonmetastatic group than in lymph node metastatic group.The lymphatic vessel density(LVD) in carcinoma tissue was significantly decreased in Smad4 positive group than in Smad4 negative group.The expression level of VEGF-C in carcinoma tissue was significantly higher in lymph node metastatic group than in nonmetastatic group.Smad4 expression was negatively correlated with VEGF-C expression(r=-0.391).Conclusion VEGF-C plays an important role in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in laryngocarcinoma,with negative correlation with Smad4 expression,Smad4 might be involved in the inhibition of tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.