SDF-1alpha/CXCL12 and dendritic cells in ovarian cancer microenvironment

To evaluate the a-chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCL12 levels in the peritoneal fluid (PF) and plasma of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC, n=101), serous cyst (n=34) or normal controls (n=20). SDF-1alpha concentrations were correlated to myeloid (M) and lymphoid (L) dendritic cells (DC).

SDF-1alpha levels were analysed using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). DC were evaluated by flow cytometry.

The SDF-1alpha concentrations in peritoneal fluid were elevated in the EOC patients in comparison to the patients with serous cyst (the reference group). The PF SDF-1alpha levels were significantly higher in FIGO III and IV patients than in FIGO stage I. There were no significant differences in the PF SDF-1alpha levels with respect to tumor grade or histology Additionally there were no significant differences in the plasma SDF-1alpha levels in EOC patients in comparison with the reference and control groups. The SDF-1alpha levels in the plasma of FIGO stage III patients were significantly higher than that of stage I. Patients with undifferentiated carcinoma had significantly higher plasma SDF-1alpha levels than patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma. No significant differences were noted in the plasma SDF-1alpha levels within different tumor grades. There was no significant correlation between PF and plasma SDF-1alpha levels and the percentage of myeloid and lymphoid DC in the PB and PF of EOC patients.

SDF-1alpha production in EOC patients may depend on the clinical stage of the tumor. Increased levels of SDF-1alpha and lymphoid DC in the PF of EOC patients may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease.