[The expression of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor in brain astrocytomas]
Sheng-Hua Chu1, Xian-Hou Yuan, Pu-Cha Jiang
1Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan 430071, China.
Objective:
To investigate the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA and its receptor (c-Met) mRNA in brain astrocytomas and their relationships with tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, clinical pathology and prognosis.
Methods:
The expression of HGF mRNA, c-Met mRNA in the resected tumor tissues of 76 patients with brain astrocytomas, 43 males and 33 females, aged 20 - 71, were detected by in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry technique was used to test the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein and the microvessel density (MVD) was determined by immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibody against CD34.
Results:
The positive rates of expression of HGF, c-Met and PCNA in low pathologic grades of brain astrocytoma were 34.5%, 44.8% and 15% +/- 9% respectively, and in high pathologic grades of brain astrocytoma were 34.5%, 44.8% and 48% +/- 12% respectively (P < 0.05). MVD in low and high pathologic grades of brain astrocytoma were 17 +/- 7 and 31 +/- 13 respectively (P < 0.05). The expression of HGF, c-Met, PCNA and CD34 was not related to sex, age, position of tumor and diameter of tumor. The expression of c-Met was related to the expression of HGF, PCNA and the MVD in the tumor tissues of these patients. The pathological grade, position of tumor, HGF, c-Met, PCNA, MVD had a significant influence on the survival time.
Conclusion:
HGF/c-Met plays an important role in the formation and progression of the brain astrocytoma and can promote tumor proliferation and intratumoral microvascular formation, and is closely related to the prognosis of the patients.
Insights
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met are crucial in brain astrocytoma development, promoting tumor growth and blood vessel formation. Their expression impacts patient prognosis, highlighting their role in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
Context:
- Brain astrocytomas are primary brain tumors with variable prognosis.
- The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway is implicated in various cancers.
- Understanding molecular drivers is key to improving astrocytoma treatment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression of HGF mRNA and c-Met mRNA in brain astrocytomas.
- To determine the relationship between HGF/c-Met expression and tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and clinical factors.
- To assess the impact of HGF/c-Met on patient prognosis.
Summary:
- HGF mRNA and c-Met mRNA expression were analyzed in 76 brain astrocytoma tissues using in situ hybridization.
- Immunohistochemistry assessed proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for proliferation and CD34 for microvessel density (MVD).
- High-grade astrocytomas showed significantly higher PCNA expression and MVD compared to low-grade tumors. HGF/c-Met expression correlated with PCNA and MVD, and influenced survival time.
Impact:
- The HGF/c-Met pathway is vital in brain astrocytoma formation and progression.
- This pathway promotes tumor proliferation and the development of new blood vessels within the tumor.
- HGF/c-Met expression is a significant prognostic factor for brain astrocytoma patients.
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