Correlation between chromosome 1p/19q status and VEGF mRNA expression in gliomas

The chromosome 1p/19q deletion has been reported as a good prognosis marker for gliomas. However, the detection of 1p/19q status alone in glioma patients is not sufficient. The identification of a combination of molecular factors could effectively enhance the prediction accuracy. Thus far, the potential correlation between the 1p/19q status and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression has not been elucidated. The level of VEGF mRNA expression in the tumor and the adjacent normal tissues was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The 1p/19q status of glioma patients was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The association between the 1p/19q status and VEGF mRNA expression, as well as the glioma grade, was evaluated. A higher VEGF mRNA expression level was observed in gliomas, compared to matched normal tissues (P < 0.01). The 1p/19q status was significantly correlated with glioma grade (P = 0.018) and VEGF mRNA expression in the tissues (P = 0.005). A higher percentage of patients with high-grade gliomas displayed an intact 1p/19q and higher VEGF mRNA expression than those with low-grade gliomas. A survival analysis revealed that patients (with high- and low-grade gliomas) with intact 1p/19q and higher VEGF mRNA expression showed a shorter overall survival time. Moreover, tissue VEGF mRNA expression and WHO grade were found to be independent risk factors for gliomas. In conclusion, the 1p/19q status and VEGF mRNA expression in tissues could be used in combination to predict the prognosis of gliomas.