Expression of CXCL12-CXCR4 in osteosarcoma and its correlation with angiogenesis

Objective The expression of CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor-1)-CXCR4 (chemokine receptors-4) in osteosarcoma and its role in angiogenesis were examined. Methods The expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in 40 cases of osteosarcoma was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The expression of CD34 in osteosarcoma was detected by immunohistochemistry. Morphometric image analysis was performed to measure microvessel density (MVD). Additionally, the relationship between CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression and MVD of osteosarcoma and pulmonary metastasis were analyzed. Results The positive rates of CXCL12 and CXCR4 protein expression in osteosarcoma were 40.0% (16/40) and 60.0% (24/40), respectively. Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the expression level of CXCR4 mRNA in pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma was higher than that in nonpulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma (P < 0.01). The level of MVD in pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma was higher than that in non-pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma (P < 0.01). Conclusion The expression level of CXCR4 was significantly associated with pulmonary metastasis and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma.