Expression of CXC chemokine ligand 12 and CXC chemokine receptor 4 in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and clinical implication

Abstract

Objective By detecting the expression of CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and adjacent normal lung tissues, we try to investigate the correlation between the expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 and clinical parameters. Methods Immunohistochemical staining method was used to detect the expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in cancer tissues and matched normal lung tissues adjacent to carcinoma of 62 cases of NSCLC. Under the microscope at high magnification, positive staining (+ ) was recorded when the number of positive cells accounted for more than or equal to 10%, and negative staining (-) was recorded when the number of positive cells accounted for less than 10%. The positive expression rate and the relationship between the various clinical parameters were analyzed. Results The positive expression rate of CXCL12 in NSCLC tissues and normal lung tissue adjacent to carcinoma was 73.8% and 15.0% respectively (P=0.040). The positive expression of CXCR4 was detected in 33 cases and 2 cases of NSCLC tissues and normal lung tissue adjacent to carcinoma respectively (P=0.030). The positive expression rate of CXCL12 in stage Ⅲa-Ⅲb was 90.9%, and 55.5% in stage Ⅱa-Ⅱb. The positive expression rate of CXCR4 in Ⅲa-Ⅲb was 90.9%, and 55.5% in stage Ⅱa-Ⅱb (P=0.030). The positive expression rate of CXCL12 in mediastinal lymph node with metastasis was 94.7%, and that in the mediastinal lymph node without metastasis was 56.5%. The expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in NSCLC tissues was consistent. Conclusion CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression in NSCLC tissues has the effect to promote cancer. The positive expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 is associated with TNM staging and mediastinal lymph node metastasis. The specific binding of CXCL12 and CXCR4 may promote lymph node metastasis. Key words: CXC chemokine ligand 12; CXC chemokine receptor 4; Non-small-cell lung carcinoma; Immunohistochemisty