The expression of Delta-like 4 and vascular endothelial growth factor in hepatocellular carcinoma and their role in angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To explore the expression of Delta-like 4 (DLL4) as well as vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) and its relation with the angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of DLL4 and VEGF in 75 cases of HCC. The microvessel density (MVD) was calculated after CD34 staining for microvessel endothelia and the correlation between their roles and the pathological behavior of HCC was investigated. Results The expression levels of DLL4 and VEGF were significantly higher than those in normal liver tissue and hepatic cirrhosis (P <0.01), and related to clinical grades of HCC ( P < 0.01). The expression of CD34 was negatively related to the expression of DLL4 (P < 0.05, r = - 0.778), while positively to the expression of VEGF (P < 0.05, r = 0.747). The mean number of MVD (19.70 ± 5.82) /HP in 32 cases positive for the coexpression of DLL4 and VEGF was significantly greater than in those negative for the coexpression [ (7.60 ±3.12)/HP, P <0.01 ]. Conclusion DLL4 and VEGF may play an vital role in angiogenesis of HCC. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; VEGF