Increased expression of angiogenin in gastric carcinoma in correlation with tumor angiogenesis and proliferation

To investigate the implication of angiogenin (ANG) in the neovascularizaton and growth of human gastric carcinoma (HGC).

ANG mRNA expression in HGC specimens obtained by surgical resection from patients with HGC were examined by RT-PCR. ANG, Ki-67, VEGF protein expression and microvessel density (MVD) in HGC specimens were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RT-PCR showed significantly higher ANG mRNA expression (0.482 +/- 0.094) in HGC tissues than in the surrounding nontumorous tissues (0.276 +/- 0.019, P = 0.03). MVD within tumorous tissues increased significantly with ANG mRNA expression (r = 0.380, P = 0.001) and ANG protein expression (P < 0.01). The ANG expression levels of cancer tissues were positively correlated with VEGF (P < 0.01) and the proliferation index of cancer cells (P < 0.01).

ANG is one of the neovascularization factors of HGC. ANG may work in coordination with VEGF, and promote the proliferation of HGC cells.