Distribution of microlymphatic vessels in lung adenocarcinoma and its clinical significance

Objective To investigate the relationship among vascular endothelial growth factor-C,(VEGF-C),VEGF-D,microlymphatic vessel density(MLVD) and lymph node metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma,and to explore the mechanism of cancerous peripheral tissue lymphatic vessels.Methods The expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D mRNA were determined by the semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method and the expressions of VEGF-C,VEGF-D and MLVD were determined in the center of the tumors and peripheral tissues by means of immunohistochemistry in 48 cases of lung adenocarcinoma.Results Expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D mRNA were higher in lung cancer than in normal lung tissues,positive ratio of VEGF-C and VEGF-D was 70.8%(34/48) and 58.3(28/48).The expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in cancerous peripheral tissues were significantly higher than those in the center of the tumors.The MLVD and positive lymph node metastasis in the positive VEGF-C or VEGF-D group were higher than those in the negative group.Conclusion The expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D can induce lymphangiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma and lymph metastasis.