[The expression and significance of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha and related genes in abdominal aorta aneurysm].
OBJECTIVE
To study the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and related genes in abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) and explore the underlying pathogenesis.


METHODS
Twenty-two AAA specimens were collected and 5 normal abdominal aorta tissue were used as control. Northern blot, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluated the expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein product. Western blot and immunohistochemistry method were also used to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspase-3. Microvessel density (MVD) was studied by immunohistochemistry stain of CD34.


RESULTS
The expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein product were significantly higher in AAA than that in normal abdominal aorta (P < 0.01). The expression of VEGF and caspase-3 were also higher in AAA and both had a significantly positive relationship with HIF-1alpha expression (P < 0.01). Most of the positive cells located in VSMC and adventitia of AAA. The MVD counts were higher in AAA.


CONCLUSIONS
HIF-1alpha may have an important role the development of AAA, which maybe obtained by regulating the expression of VEGF or caspase-3.
Hu
Xin-hua
XH
Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
Yang
Jun
J
Liu
Cheng-wei
CW
Zhang
Zhi-shen
ZS
Zhang
Qiang
Q
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D053148:Caspase 3; D020169:Caspases / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis
C497442:HIF1A protein, human; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C505407:CASP3 protein, human; D053148:Caspase 3; D020169:Caspases