Localization of the VEGF and angiopoietin genes in uterine carcinosarcoma.
OBJECTIVE
Carcinosarcoma of the uterus is a highly aggressive tumor. However, the angiogenesis in this tumor remains unclear. This is the first study to examine the characteristics of angiogenesis in this tumor at the molecular level while also comparing the findings with those of high-grade endometrial carcinoma.


METHODS
The expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Ang) genes were examined in 35 primary uterine carcinosarcomas as well as in 12 high-grade endometrial carcinomas by in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
A strong expression of VEGF-A mRNA was significantly seen in carcinosarcomas compared to high-grade endometrial carcinomas. Interestingly, in uterine carcinosarcoma, VEGF-A mRNA was more strongly expressed in the carcinoma cells than in the sarcoma cells. In addition, a decrease in the VEGF-A mRNA expression was found in the transitional areas between carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements in most carcinosarcomas evaluated. Moreover, the Ang-2 mRNA expression was significantly seen in the vasculature adjacent to the periphery of the carcinoma cells in most carcinosarcomas, in comparison to that of endometrial carcinomas.


CONCLUSIONS
A high angiogenic activity in uterine carcinosarcoma was shown, in comparison to that of endometrial carcinoma. Tumor angiogenesis in uterine carcinosarcoma might be chiefly influenced by VEGF-A in the carcinoma cells, in cooperation with Ang-2 in the surrounding microvessels, however, this is not fully usually the case in sarcoma cells.
Emoto
Makoto
M
Reproductive Molecular Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cambridge, The Rosie Maternity Hospital, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 2SW, UK. emoto@cis.fukuoka-u.ac.jp
Charnock-Jones
D Stephen
DS
Licence
Diana R
DR
Ishiguro
Masako
M
Kawai
Michiyasu
M
Yanaihara
Atsushi
A
Saito
Toshiaki
T
Hachisuga
Toru
T
Iwasaki
Hiroshi
H
Kawarabayashi
Tatsuhiko
T
Smith
Stephen K
SK
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D042683:Angiopoietin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D042702:Angiopoietin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D042682:Angiopoietins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D002296:Carcinosarcoma / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D042561:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
C467630:ANGPT1 protein, human; D042683:Angiopoietin-1; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D042682:Angiopoietins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; C467485:VEGFB protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042561:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C