The expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in non-small-cell-lung-cancer and its correlationship with lymph node metastasis

Objective Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF-C,VEGF-D)is presumed to correlate with lymphangiogenesis.The purpose of this study was to identify the expression level of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in non-small-cell-lung-cancer(NSCLC)tissue,and clarify whether there is,correlation between elevated VEGF-C or VEGF-D transcription level with lymph node metastasis.Methods Lung tissues specimen were collected from 52 NSCLC patients who underwent operation,A semiquantitative multiplex RT-PCR technology was applied to measure the mRNA quantity of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in carcinoma tissue.Results(1)The VEGF-C mRNA level in lung tumor tissue was significantly higher in patient group with lymph node metastasis than that in the group without lymph node metastasis(t=4.333,P0.001).(2)No difference was manifested between the two groups when VEGF-D mRNA level was concerned.(3)The ratio of VEGF-C/VEGF-D was significantly higher in patient group with lymph node metastasis than that without lymph node metastasis.Conclusions VEGF-C transcription levels and the ratio of VEGF-C/VEGF-D may correlate with lymph node metastasis in NSCLC patients,and might be useful predictors for lymph node metastasis in NSCLC.