The Expression and Prognostic Significance of VEGF and CXCR4 in Gastric Cancer: Correlation with Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis and Progression

The cellular response to hypoxia includes the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and its target genes: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of VEGF and CXCR4, which are responsible for angiogenesis and progression in gastric cancer. Twenty-eight gastric cancer patients were analyzed. The mRNA expression was examined in primary tumors and corresponding normal gastric mucosa by RT-PCR. The protein level was examined by immunohistochemistry staining. The high expression of VEGF and CXCR4 was found in 71.0 and 64.0% of tumors, respectively. The mean levels…