Ephrin B expression in epithelial ovarian neoplasms correlates with tumor differentiation and angiogenesis.
Differential gene expression studies are identifying new sets of genes with a role in the classification, differential diagnosis, and prognosis of some human tumors. Ephrin B1, a factor involved in angiogenesis, has been shown to be up-regulated in ovarian carcinomas, making it a potential target for cancer treatment. This study investigates ephrin B expression in ovarian tumors to validate results from gene expression studies and evaluates its significance with a clinical-pathological correlation. Specimens from 112 benign, borderline, and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors were examined. Tissue microarrays were constructed, and ephrin B expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. To correlate ephrin B expression with angiogenesis, CD31 immunostaining was performed to assess microvessel density. Ephrin B was detected in 50% of ovarian tumors: clear cell carcinomas (93%), serous carcinomas (74%), mucinous carcinomas (29%), and endometrioid carcinomas (27%). High-grade carcinomas showed greatest ephrin B expression, whereas benign tumors and low-grade carcinomas were rarely positive. A correlation was found between ephrin B expression and microvessel density, supporting the angiogenic role of this factor in ovarian carcinomas. Ephrin B expression was associated with higher rates of disease recurrence and a decrease in overall survival. A distinctive pattern of ephrin B expression was observed in ovarian tumors: high-grade tumors and clear cell and serous carcinomas show higher expression, correlating with the aggressiveness. On the other hand, ephrin B expression correlated with microvessel density of the tumors. Because Eph receptors and ephrins are targets for new therapeutic inhibitors, this pattern of ephrin B expression should be considered in future clinical studies.
Castellvi
Josep
J
Department of Pathology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
Garcia
Angel
A
de la Torre
Javier
J
Hernandez
Javier
J
Gil
Antonio
A
Xercavins
Jordi
J
Ramón y Cajal
Santiago
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D036387:Ephrin-B1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008833:Microcirculation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016019:Survival Analysis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D036387:Ephrin-B1