• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.271-274
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• 2015

Background: To explore vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and VEGF-D expression and its correlation with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) tissue. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical methods were applied to detect the levels of VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression in 64 surgicall removal ESCC tissues, tissues adjacent to cancer and normal tissues, and the relationship between VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression and lymph node metastasis was analyzed. Results: Both VEGF-C and VEGF-D were expressed by varying degrees in esophageal cancer tissue, the tissue adjacent to cancer and normal tissue, and the positive expression rate went down successively. The positive expression rates of VEGF-C (59.4%) and VEGF-D (43.8%) in esophageal cancer tissue were significantly higher than in the tissue adjacent to cancer (34.4%, 15.6%) and normal tissue (20.3%, 12.5%), respectively, in which significant differences were manifested (p<0.01). Positive expression rates of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in esophageal cancers with lymph node metastasis were markedly higher than without such metastasis (p<0.01), while those in the tissue with TNM staging I~II were markedly lower than that with TNM staging III~IV (p<0.01). Conclusions: Both VEGF-C and VEGF-D are highly expressed in ESCC tissue, which may be related to the lymph node metastasis of cancer cells. Hence, VEGF-C and VEGF-D can be clinically considered as important reference indexes of lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.70-78
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• 2008

Purpose: VEGF-C and VEGF-D are angiogenetic factors, and abnormal expression of E-cadherin hasa role in the progression of gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the expression of E-cadherin, VEGF-C and VEGF-D with the presence of lymph node metastases (LNM) using cytokeratin 18 in early gastric cancer (EGC). Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin, VEGF-C and VEGF-D was performed in 49 EGC patients from March 1997 to December 2002. To evaluate the real extent of LNM, 1,562 lymph nodes from 49 patients were re-examined with the use of cytokeratin 18. Results: Eleven (0.7%) LNM were newly found in 12.2% (n=6) of patients. The real LNM rate was 3.6% in mucosal invasive (m) cancer and 38.1% in submucosal invasive (sm). Stage migration was seen in three patients (6.1%). Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was detected in 36.7% of the patients and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D was detected in 16.3% and 36.7% of the patients, respectively. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P=0.0103) and Lauren classification (P<0.0001). There was no positive relationship of VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression with the clinicopathological findings for EGC including LNM. However, the frequency of lymph node metastases was significantly higher in patients that demonstrated abnormal expression of E-cadherin with positive immunoreactivity of VEGF-C or VEGF-D (P=0.031). Conclusion: In present study, we could not demonstrate a relationship between the presence of LNM and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in EGC. However, VEGF-C or VEGF-D expression, in addition to the abnormal expression of E-cadherin, was correlated with the real extent of LNM in EGC.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.453-460
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• 2009

Background and Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D and their tyrosine kinase receptor, VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3 are recently known to have lymphangiogenic activities in various tumor types. Oral mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (OMSCC) easily metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes, so we determined the expression levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: We performed Western blot analyses with 4 OMSCC cultured tumor cell lines (SCC9, KB, YD-10B, YD-38), and with 7 surgical specimens of OMSCC for the detection of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 proteins. Expression of VEGF-C mRNA as well as mRNA for VEGFR-3 in 4 OMSCC cell lines (KB, SCC-4, SCC-9, YD-10B) was investigated by RT-PCR. We also measured VEGFC/VEGF-D protein concentrations in the media and protein concentration of VEGFR-3 in cell lysates of 4 OMSCC cell lines (SCC9, KB, YD-10B, YD-38) using commerical ELISA kits. Finally, we performed immunoprecipitation for the detection of VEGF-C in cell lysates of 4 OMSCC cells (KB, SCC-4, SCC-9, YD-10B) and real-time RT-PCR for the quantification of VEGF-C mRNA. Results: In the result of Western blotting with cell lysates of 4 OMSCC cells, we could not detect the protein expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-3. But, all tumor tissues demonstrated VEGF-C and VEGFR-3. VEGF-C mRNA was detected at various levels in 4 OMSCC cell lines. Moreover, OMSCC cells secreted VEGF-C, not VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 was also detected in cell lysates of OMSCC by ELISA. Immunoprecipitation and real-time RT-PCR revealed VEGF-C was also expressed in 4 OMSCC cell lines. Conclusion: Taken together, tumor cells of OMSCC secrete VEGF-C, not VEGF-D. And VEGFR-3 is expressed tumor cells as well as OMSCC tumor tissues, needs further study.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.543-551
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• 2001

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or VEGF-A, is intimately involved in both physiological and pathological forms of angiogenesis. VEGF-A is now recognized as the founding member of a family of growth factors that has expanded to include VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-E, and placental growth factor (PIGF). This family of cytokines binds differentially to at least three receptor tyrosine kinases, however, the extent to which family members other than VEGF-A contribute to physiological and pathological angiogenesis remains unclear. Issues that are of relevance include uncertainty regarding the consequences of signaling through VEGF - RI in particular, and the ability of some family members to heterodimerize, leading to the possibility ofheterodimeric receptor complexes. Structural characterization is one approach that can be used to address these issues, however, the vast majority of previous structure-function studies have only focused on VEGF-A. While these studies may provide some clues regarding the structural basis of the interaction of other family members with their receptors, studies using the ligands themselves are clearly required if highly specific interactions are to be revealed. With the recent progress toward refolding and purifying substantial' quantities of other VEGF family members, such structural studies are now possible. Here, these ~ssues are addressed with a particular emphasis on VEGF-B and its receptors.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.368-375
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• 2011

Background: Recent clinical observation reported that there was a significant correlation between change in circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and the occurrence of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but the action mechanisms of VEGF in GVHD have not been demonstrated. Methods: This study investigated whether or not blockade of VEGF has an effect on acute GVHD in a lethally irradiated murine allo-HSCT model of $B6\;(H-2^b)\;{\rightarrow}B6D2F1\;(H-2^{b/d})$. Syngeneic or allogeneic recipient mice were injected subcutaneously with anti-VEGF peptides, dRK6 ($50{\mu}g/dose$) or control diluent every other day for 2 weeks (total 7 doses). Results: Administration of the dRK6 peptide after allo-HSCT significantly reduced survival with greaterclinical GVHD scores and body weight loss. Allogeneic recipients injected with the dRK6 peptide exhibited significantly increased circulating levels of VEGF and expansion of donor $CD3^+$ T cells on day +7 compared to control treated animals. The donor $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ T-cell subsets have differential expansion caused by the dRK6 injection. The circulating VEGF levels were reduced on day +14 regardless of blockade of VEGF. Conclusion: Together these findings demonstrate that the allo-reactive responses after allo-HSCT are exaggerated by the blockade of VEGF. VEGF seems to be consumed during the progression of acute GVHD in this murine allo-HSCT model.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Background and Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3 are involved in tumor lymphangiogenesis. Oral mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (OMSCC) preferentially metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes, so we investigated the expression and distribution of VEGFR-3 signaling proteins in OMSCC. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples of 18 OMSCC, 10 oral mucosal leukoplakia, and 3 normal oral mucosa were evaluated for expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-3 by immunohistochemical staining. The presence of lymphatic vessels was determined using D2-40 staining, by which we also measured lymphatic vessel density (LVD). Results: 72% (13/18) and 56% (10/18) of tissue samples showed VEGF-C and VEGF-D immunopositivity in tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells. VEGFR-3 was also expressed in most of OMSCC, which was up-regulated when compared with normal mucosa or with leukoplakia. Furthermore, LVD was higher in OMSCC than in leukoplakia. Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that autocrine activation of lymphatic endothelial cell via VEGFR-3 by VEGF-C and/or VEGF-D could be involved in progression of OMSCC. Therefore, VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling pathway can be a molecular target for anti-metastatic therapy in OMSCC.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.96-103
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• 2009

Purpose: Lymph node metastasis is an important factor in determining prognosis and therapeutic options for early gastric cancer (EGC) patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and D are known as lymphangiogenic factors, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is thought to play a role in lymph node metastasis in gastric carcinoma. This study was designed to determine whether the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 is associated with clinicopathologic factors, especially lymph node metastasis in EGCs invading the submucosa. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from 85 Patients undergoing standard gastrectomy with lymph node dissection between 1991 and 2007 in the Department of Surgery of Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital in Daejeon, Korea. All patients were diagnosed with gastric cancers and submucosal invasion. We examined the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 using immunohistochemical methods. Results: Of the 85 patients, 16 (18.8%) had lymph node metastasis. VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 were positively expressed in 34.1% (29/85), 22.3% (19/85), and 37.6% (32/85) of the patients. VEGF-C and COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). A positive correlation existed between VEGF-C and COX-2 expression (P< 0.001). Conclusion: VEGF-C and COX-2 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer with submucosal invasion. VEGF-C and COX-2 may thus be predictive markers for lymph node metastasis in EGC patients with submucosal invasion.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.9
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• pp.781-786
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• 2004

None of the currently available strategies for diagnosis and management of the pleural effusion are ideal. We tried to evaluate the validity of VEGF in differential diagnosis of the pleural effusion and find out if VEGF were correlated with the established markers. Material and Method: 35 patients with pleural effusion were divided into malignant effusion (n=10), benign effusion (n=5), infectious effusion (n=10), and pneumothorax (n=10), respectively. The pleural fluids from each group were examined for differential cell count, chemistry (glucose, protein, LDH, and ADA), and VEGF. Result: Glucose level was lower in infectious effusion compared with benign effusion (60.5$\pm$36.09 mg/dL vs. 162.0$\pm$19.80 mg/dL, p=0.011). ADA level in infectious effusion was higher compared with malignant effusion (87.9$\pm$42.62 IU/L vs. 27.7$\pm$31.04 IU/L, p=0.024). Malignant effusion (p=0.026) and infectious effusion (p=0.048) showed significantly higher level of VEGF than that of pneumothorax. VEGF level was substantially higher in malignant effusion compared with benign effusion (364.38$\pm$433.83 pg/dL vs. 53.3$\pm$22.20 pg/dL, p=NS). The pleural VEGF level did not correlate with the other markers. Conclusion: The measuring pleural VEGF may be helpful in diagnosing malignant and infectious pleural effusion that increase angiogenesis and vascular permeability, but it can not discriminate between the two. The pleural VEGF may not be correlated with the established markers. The measurement of pleural VEGF might discriminate between malignant and benign effusion.

• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.191-196
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• 2016

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator of angiogenesis and critical for normal embryonic development and repair of pathophysiological conditions in adults. Although phospholipase D (PLD) activity has been implicated in angiogenic processes, its role in VEGF signaling during angiogenesis in mammals is unclear. Here, we found that silencing of PLD2 by siRNA blocked VEGF-mediated signaling in immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (iHUVECs). Also, VEGF-induced endothelial cell survival, proliferation, migration, and tube formation were inhibited by PLD2 silencing. Furthermore, while Pld2-knockout mice exhibited normal development, loss of PLD2 inhibited VEGF-mediated ex vivo angiogenesis. These findings suggest that PLD2 functions as a key mediator in the VEGF-mediated angiogenic functions of endothelial cells.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3089-3097
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• 2012

Background and Aims: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with resected gastric cancer. However, its role remains controversial. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature. Methods: Relevant literature was identified using Medline and survival data from published studies were collected following a methodological assessment. Quality assessment of eligible studies and meta-analysis of hazard ratio (HR) were performed to review the correlation of VEGF overexpression with survival and recurrence in patients with gastric cancer. Results: Our meta-analysis included 44 published studies with 4,794 resected patients. VEGF subtype for the prediction of overall survival (OS) included tissue VEGF (HR=2.13, 95% CI 1.71-2.65), circulating VEGF (HR=4.22, 95% CI 2.47-7.18), tissue VEGF-C (HR=2.21, 95% CI 1.58-3.09), tissue VEGF-D (HR=1.73, 95% CI 1.25-2.40). Subgroup analysis showed that HRs of tissue VEGF for OS were, 1.78 (95% CI 0.90-3.51) and 2.31 (95% CI 1.82-2.93) in non-Asians and Asians, respectively. The meta-analysis was also conducted for disease free survival (DFS) and disease specific survival (DSS). Conclusion: Positive expression of tissue VEGF, circulating VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGF-D were all associated with poor prognosis in resected gastric cancer. However, VEGF demonstrated no significant prognostic value for non-Asian populations. Circulating VEGF may be better than tissue VEGF in predicting prognosis.