RhoC,vascular endothelial growth factor and microvascular density in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the expression of Ras homolog(Rho)C,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and CD105 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.METHODS:Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction,in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical streptavidin-biotin- peroxidase methods were used to detect expression of Rho C m RNA and protein,and VEGF protein in 62 cases with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,31 cases with adjacent atypical hyperplastic tissues,and 62 cases with normal esophageal mucosa.CD105 antibody labeling was used to measure microvascular density.Expression levels were compared according to clinicopathologic and patient parameters.RESULTS:Expression of Rho C m RNA showed a positive correlation with the protein level in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,as well as with VEGF protein levels.Rho C m RNA expression was mainly located within the cytoplasm of the tumor cells,appearing as blue to purple particles by in situ hybridization.The differences in Rho C m RNA expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,adjacent atypical hyperplasia and normal esophageal mucosa were significant(P < 0.05).The relative expression of Rho C m RNA in cancer tissues with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than in the tissues without lymph node metastasis(P < 0.05).VEGF protein expression was consistent with microvascular density(t = 25.52,P < 0.05).Positive expression of VEGF protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma of different histologic gradings did not differ significantly.Positive expression of VEGF protein in carcinoma tissues with deep infiltration was significantly higher than in tissues with only superficial infiltration(P < 0.05).The positive expression of VEGF protein in cancer tissues with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than in the tissues without lymph node metastasis(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Rho C protein may upregulate VEGF expression,thereby promoting tumor angiogenesis.Rho C m RNA and protein expression was correlated with metastasis.