Vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor are potential angiogenic and metastatic factors in human breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor angiogenesis may be mediated by several angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-alpha, and basic fibroblast growth factor.


METHODS
Differential mRNA expressions of VEGF, PDGF (A chain), transforming growth factor-alpha and basic fibroblast growth factor in 32 primary invasive breast tumors were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed relationships between mRNA expressions of these angiogenic factors and the degree of angiogenesis, tumor size, and metastasis. Quantification of angiogenesis was achieved by the immunohistochemical staining of endothelial cells with antibody to CD31.


RESULTS
VEGF and PDGF-A mRNAs were expressed more frequently in breast tumors than in nontumor breast tissues, whereas no difference was found in expression frequency of either transforming growth factor-alpha or basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA. Vascular counts in tumors correlated with each expression frequency of VEGF and PDGF-A mRNA. PDGF-A mRNA was expressed more frequently in tumors with lymph node metastasis than in those without metastasis.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of VEGF and PDGF mRNAs detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in breast tumors correlates with tumor-related characteristics of angiogenesis and metastatic potential. Analysis of these mRNAs by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction may be useful for assessing the biologic behavior of a breast tumor before surgical treatment.
Anan
K
K
First Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.
Morisaki
T
T
Katano
M
M
Ikubo
A
A
Kitsuki
H
H
Uchiyama
A
A
Kuroki
S
S
Tanaka
M
M
Torisu
M
M
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors