[Expression of maspin and its relation to tumor vascularization in epithelian ovarian cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlation of Maspin expression with angiogenesis in ovarian cancer.


METHODS
The expression of Maspin, VEGF, heparanase gene was detected by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of normal ovaries (n=31) and epithelial ovarian cancers (n=35). Correlations of Maspin, VEGF and heparanase expression with clinicopathological parameters of ovarian tumors were statistically analyzed. Microvessel density (MVD) was counted by endothelial cells immunostained with anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody.


RESULTS
The expression of Maspin, VEGF, heparanase protein were up-regulated in ovarian cancer cells compared with control group (P < 0.05). Significant association was observed in Maspin protein expression and clinical parameters such as non-serous ovarian carcinoma, lower tumor stage and non-ascites (P < 0. 05). VEGF protein expression correlated with ascites positively (P < 0.05). Heparanase protein expression was identified obviously to correlate with lymph node involvement and ascites (P < 0.05). MVD has significant correlation with lymph node involvement and tumor stage (P < 0.05). Maspin protein expression correlated negatively with VEGF and MVD(P < 0.05), but had no relationship with heparanase (P > 0.05). Significant direct association was demonstrated between VEGF protein expression and MVD (P < 0.05), but VEGF protein expression had no correlation with heparanase.


CONCLUSIONS
Maspin might have inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of epithelian ovarian cancer.
Ma
Ying
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Peng
Zhi-lan
ZL
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000235:genetics; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000235:genetics; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000235:genetics*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism; D015843:Serpins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000099175:Heparanase
D005966:Glucuronidase; D015843:Serpins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000099175:Heparanase; C085344:SERPIN-B5