Vegf-c And Cd44v6 Expression In Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma And Its Clinical Significance

Objective:To investigate the expression of VEGF-C and CD44v6 in HCC and it's effect on the biological behavior of HCC.Methods:The expression of VEGF-C and CD44v6 in liver tissue specimens of 33 patients with HCC was detected by immunohistochemical staining.21 hepatic cirrhosis and 16 hepatic trauma or hepatic cyst were used as the control group.Results:1.The positive expression of VEGF-C in HCC tissues was located in cytoplasma of cancer cells.The incidence VEGF-C expression was 78.8%(26/33).Positive rates of VEGF-C expression in HCC tissue were significantly higher in HCC with metastasis than in HCC without metastasis(94.1% (16/17) vs 62.5%(10/16),P＜0.05),but there were no significant correlation between the expression of VEGF-C and tumor size,tumor grade,AFP level,hepatic cirrhosis and HBV.2.The positive expression of CD44v6 in HCC tissues was located in membranes of cancer cells and partial cytoplasma.CD44v6 expression was found negative or weak positive in some lymphocytes and interstitial cells in trauma and cirrhosis groups.Strong positive CD44v6 expression was 72.7%(24/33) in HCC.Positive rates of CD44v6 expression in HCC tissue with metastasis were 94.1%(16/17), higher than those in HCC tissue without metastasis 50.0%(8/16),P＜0.05.CD44v6 expression was not significantly related to tumor size,tumor grade,AFP level,hepatic cirrhosis and HBV.3.There was a close correlation between VEGF-C and CD44v6 in HCC(r=0.681,P＜0.01).Conclusion:The expression of VEGF-C and CD44v6 was correlated with metastasis.VEGF-C and CD44v6 may be signs of aggressive phenotype for evaluating treatment and prognosis of HCC. Examination of expression these two proteins may be helpful to judge biological behavior of HCC.