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Vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF) and its receptor flt-1 in microcystic
C Christov1, E Lechapt-Zalcman, H Adle-Biassette
1Groupe d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Muscle et le Nerf (GERMEN, EA 2347), Université Paris XII - Val de Marne, Créteil, France.
Abstract:
We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF) and of its endothelial cell receptor flt-1 in relationship to microcyst formation in meningiomas. Expression of VPF/VEGF was studied in 60 meningiomas (6 microcystic, 38 partially microcystic and 16 with no microcystic areas) and 30 meningiomas from these three subgroups were evaluated for flt-1 expression. VPF/VEGF immunoreactivity was mainly observed in vessel endothelium. Positive vessels were present in 75% (33/44) of meningiomas with any amount of microcystic pattern and in 38% (6/16) of the solid meningiomas (P < 0.02). Densities and percentages of both VPF/VEGF-positive and flt-1-positive vessels were higher in meningiomas with microcystic areas than in solid meningiomas (P /= 0.75, P < 0.0001). A strong positive correlation between VPF/VEGF-positive vessel density and proportion of microcystic pattern in all 60 specimens was found (r = 0.75, P < 0. 0001). We conclude that accumulation of flt-1-bound VPF/VEGF on endothelial cells of meningiomas is associated with microcyst formation that leads to the histologic appearance of microcystic meningiomas.
Insights
Vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF) and its receptor flt-1 are linked to microcyst formation in meningiomas. Higher VPF/VEGF and flt-1 vessel expression correlates with microcystic patterns in these brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment
Background:
- Meningiomas are primary tumors of the central nervous system, often exhibiting microcystic changes.
- Vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF) plays a critical role in angiogenesis and vascular permeability.
- The endothelial cell receptor flt-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) is a key mediator of VEGF signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of VPF/VEGF and its receptor flt-1 in meningiomas.
- To determine the relationship between VPF/VEGF and flt-1 expression and the formation of microcysts in meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of VPF/VEGF and flt-1 expression in 60 meningioma samples.
- Quantification of VPF/VEGF-positive and flt-1-positive vessels.
- Correlation analysis between vessel expression and the presence and extent of microcystic patterns.
Main Results:
- VPF/VEGF immunoreactivity was primarily observed in the endothelium of meningioma vessels.
- Meningiomas with microcystic areas showed significantly higher densities and percentages of VPF/VEGF- and flt-1-positive vessels compared to solid meningiomas.
- A strong positive correlation was found between VPF/VEGF-positive vessel density and the proportion of microcystic pattern.
Conclusions:
- Accumulation of flt-1-bound VPF/VEGF on endothelial cells is associated with microcyst formation in meningiomas.
- These findings suggest a role for VPF/VEGF signaling in the development of the microcystic histological appearance in meningiomas.