Correlation of VEGF-C expression with lymph node lymphangiogenesis in ovarian cancer

Objective To investigate the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and lymph node lymphangiogenesis, we observed the expression of VEGF-C in ovarian cancer. Methods Sixty-four paraffin-embedded specimens from patients with ovarian cancer were divided into lymph node metastatic group(n=40) and nonmetastatic group(n=24), 12 metastatically involved lymph nodes and 38 uninvolved lymph nodes. The expressions of VEGF-C were detected by immunohistochemical stain and Western blot. D2-40 was used as the specific lymphatic endothelial marker for detecting lymphangiogenesis in lymph node. Results VEGF-C protein product was observed predominantly in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells as well as inflammation cells invaded into the tumor, the expression level of VEGF-C was significantly higher in lymph node metastatic group than in nonmetastatic group. D2-40 specifically expressed in lymphatic endothelium in lymph node with ovarian cancer, newly born lymphatic vessels were detected in 12 metastatically involved lymph nodes and in 26 uninvolved lymph nodes. In nonmetastatic group, the lymphatic vessel density(LVD) was significantly higher in VEGF-C positive group than in VEGF-C negative group. Conclusion VEGF-C expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis in ovarian cancer, VEGF-C may play an important role in lymph node lymphangiogenesis in ovarian cancer.