Expression of VEGF-D and its relationship with lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer

Objective To detect the expression of VEGF-D in non-small cell lung carcinoma( NSCLC) tissue and to evaluate the relationship between the expression of VEGF-D and lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. Methods The expressions of VEGF-D protein and mRNA in NSCLC tumors were detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction( QRTPCR). Results In marginal region,the expression of VEGF-D mRNA was significantly higher than that in tumor center,and the expression of VEGF-D was also higher than that in peritumoral lung tissue. The group with high expression of VEGF-D in marginal region had a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis compared with the group with low expression. Furthermore,the group with high expression of VEGF-D in marginal region had a higher incidence of lymphatic invasion. The group with high peritumoral lymphatic vessel density( LVD) had higher expression of VEGF-D mRNA compared with the group with low peritumoral LVD. Conclusions The expression of VEGF-D at invasive edge is significantly associated with lymph node metastasis or lymphatic invasion in patients with NSCLC,and may be involved in regulation of lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in NSCLC.