Aberrant p53 Expression Correlates With Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNA and Interleukin-8 mRNA and Neoangiogenesis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate interactions between expressions of tumor suppressor gene p53 and angiogenic factors vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and their effect on tumor angiogenesis and patient prognosis in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: p53, VEGF, IL-8, and the microvessel endothelium were immunostained, and VEGF and IL-8 mRNA expression were quantified using the real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in 65 NSCLC surgical specimens. Aberrant p53 expression was correlated with VEGF and IL-8 mRNA expression, microvessel count (MVC), other clinical-pathologic variables, and patients’ survival. RESULTS: Tumors with high aberrant p53 expression showed significantly higher VEGF and IL-8 mRNA expression and MVC than those with low aberrant p53 expression (P < .001). When tested as a continuous variable, aberrant p53 expression correlated strongly and positively with VEGF and IL-8 mRNA expression and MVC (P < .0001). Tu...