Vessel density, proliferation, and immunolocalization of vascular endothelial growth factor in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas.
BACKGROUND
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, highly vascularized neoplasm of the nasopharynx that affects boys and young men. The underlying dysregulated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The participation of angiogenic growth factors has been suggested, but few studies have been published.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression and localization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cells, and vessel density in JNA.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical examination of 10 consecutive JNAs (8 primary tumors and 2 recurrent tumors).


METHODS
Paraffin-embedded and cryopreserved JNA samples were included. VEGF-, CD31-, and Ki67-specific antibodies were applied and visualized using light microscopy. Vascularization was determined by counting CD31-positive vessels. Proliferating and VEGF-expressing vessels as well as stromal cells were quantified by the same method. Patients' age at the time of surgery and tumor stage were correlated with the immunohistochemical data.


RESULTS
All tumors were heavily vascularized, but major differences were noted between the samples. About half of the vessels were proliferating (Ki67 positive) and half of the Ki67-positive cells were also VEGF positive. The tumor stroma was VEGF positive in 8 of 10 samples and proliferating in 5 of these 8. The 5 samples with both VEGF- and Ki67-positive stroma showed high vessel densities. No correlation was observed between age or tumor stage and vessel density, VEGF expression, or Ki67 expression.


CONCLUSIONS
In JNA, VEGF is frequently expressed by stromal cells and vessels and is associated with proliferation and increased vessel density. We suggest the promotion of vascularization by VEGF, but the involvement of androgens in JNA angiogenesis still needs to be analyzed.
Brieger
Jürgen
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, School of Medicine, Mainz, Germany. brieger@mail.uni-mainz.de
Wierzbicka
Magorzata
M
Sokolov
Maxim
M
Roth
Yehudah
Y
Szyfter
Witold
W
Mann
Wolf J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018322:Angiofibroma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000473:pathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000032:analysis*
D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A