title: [Expression of selected angiogenesis markers and modulators in pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women with ovarian cancer].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the most commonly assessed angiogenesis markers is microvessel density which is determined on the bases of specific endothelial antigen expression (CD34, CD105). Angiogenesis modulators include growth factors and their receptors (EGFR), proteases and their inhibitors, oncogenes and suppressor genes (p53).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to evaluate whether there are any differences in selected angiogenesis markers and modulators expressions in ovarian cancer patients with different menopause status.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 100 women, age 30-70, who underwent surgical treatment due to ovarian cancer. As far as their menopause status was concerned, the women were divided into three groups: pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal. Microvessel density was assessed on the basis of CD34 (MVD(CD34) and CD 105 (MVD(CD105) expression. Additionally, tumor tissue p53 protein and EGFR expression were investigated. Active EGFR form in blood serum samples of cancer patients was assessed before the surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Microvessel density, assessed on the basis of CD34 and CD105 expression, as well as p53 and EGFR expression were similar in all three groups of patients. Active EGFR serum concentration in women with ovarian cancer did not prove to be significantly different and did not depend on the menopause status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intensity of the angiogenesis process does not depend on the menopausal status of women and is similar in pre-, peri- and postmenopausal patients.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Ginekologii Onkologicznej i Ginekologii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lublinie. ginonkol@am.lublin.pl
authors.forename: Wiesława
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bednarek
authors.forename: Magdalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazurek
authors.forename: Alicja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cwiklińska
authors.forename: Bartłomiej
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barczyński