[Expression of maspin and its relation to tumor vascularization in epithelian ovarian cancer].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation of Maspin expression with angiogenesis in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

The expression of Maspin, VEGF, heparanase gene was detected by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of normal ovaries (n=31) and epithelial ovarian cancers (n=35). Correlations of Maspin, VEGF and heparanase expression with clinicopathological parameters of ovarian tumors were statistically analyzed. Microvessel density (MVD) was counted by endothelial cells immunostained with anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

The expression of Maspin, VEGF, heparanase protein were up-regulated in ovarian cancer cells compared with control group (P < 0.05). Significant association was observed in Maspin protein expression and clinical parameters such as non-serous ovarian carcinoma, lower tumor stage and non-ascites (P < 0. 05). VEGF protein expression correlated with ascites positively (P < 0.05). Heparanase protein expression was identified obviously to correlate with lymph node involvement and ascites (P < 0.05). MVD has significant correlation with lymph node involvement and tumor stage (P < 0.05). Maspin protein expression correlated negatively with VEGF and MVD(P < 0.05), but had no relationship with heparanase (P > 0.05). Significant direct association was demonstrated between VEGF protein expression and MVD (P < 0.05), but VEGF protein expression had no correlation with heparanase.

CONCLUSION

Maspin might have inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of epithelian ovarian cancer.