[The effects of the expression of VEGF and KDR on the angiogenesis, growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and KDR (kinase insert domain containing receptor) on the angiogenesis, growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: With the methods of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, specimens from 45 HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) patients, 21 cirrhotics, 8 normal livers patients were stained. Image analysis was followed, and the relationship between VEGF, KDR expression and the pathological characteristics of HCC was studied. RESULTS: VEGF was highly expressed in HCC and was correlated with the angiogenesis of HCC. The expression rate and the intensity of VEGF were correlated with the metastasis and capsule formation of HCC. KDR was expressed not only in vascular endothelial cells, but also in some HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF may play an important role in the angiogenesis, metastasis, and capsule formation. The KDR expression in HCC cells may be a behavior of autocrine.