Correlation of hypoxia inducible factors, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, and microvessel density expressions with angiogenesis in adrenocortical tumours

Abstract

Objective To explore the expressions of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR 2), and microvessel density (MVD) in adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), in order to discuss their potential role in the development of adrenal tumours. Methods Fifty-five adrenal tumour specimens resected in the hospital with complete clinical data (including 30 ACA cases and 25 ACC cases) were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expressions of HIF-2α, HIF-1α, VEGFR 2, and MVD. Results VEGFR 2 and MVD up-regulated were found in the ACC group (P<0.05). The expression of HIF-2α and HIF-1α correlated with VEGFR 2 (P<0.05). The expressions of VEGFR 2 and MVD were related to some clinicopathological features (P<0.05). Additionally, tumour size, expression of VEGFR 2 and MVD were independently associated with ACC (P<0.05). Conclusions The high expression of HIF-2α, VEGFR 2, and MVD in adrenal tumours suggested their roles in tumour angiogenesis, which indicated that anti-angiogenesis therapies deserve intensive studies for malignant adrenocortical tumours. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2018, 34: 721-725) Key words: Adrenal tumour; Hypoxia inducible factor-2α; Hypoxia inducible factor-1α; Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2; Microvessel density; Immunohistochemistry