The expression and significance of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha and related genes in abdominal aorta aneurysm

Abstract

To study the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and related genes in abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) and explore the underlying pathogenesis. Twenty-two AAA specimens were collected and 5 normal abdominal aorta tissue were used as control. Northern blot, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluated the expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein product. Western blot and immunohistochemistry method were also used to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspase-3. Microvessel density (MVD) was studied by immunohistochemistry stain of CD34. The expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein product were significantly higher in AAA than that in normal abdominal aorta (P < 0.01). The expression of VEGF and caspase-3 were also higher in AAA and both had a significantly positive relationship with HIF-1alpha expression (P < 0.01). Most of the positive cells located in VSMC and adventitia of AAA. The MVD counts were higher in AAA. HIF-1alpha may have an important role the development of AAA, which maybe obtained by regulating the expression of VEGF or caspase-3.