Evaluation of VEGF and PEDF in prostate cancer: A preliminary study in serum and biopsies

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) serve an important role in prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the levels of VEGF and PEDF in serum are associated with the severity of PCa, and whether they can differentiate from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Two groups of patients were recruited, patients with PCa or BPH that were newly diagnosed without other comorbidities, and were compared with healthy individuals. The levels of VEGF and PEDF were measured by ELISA in serum, and by immunohistochemistry in biopsies. A correlation analysis was performed for the values in biopsies and serum, comparing the VEGF/PEDF ratio, total-prostate-specific antigen (t-PSA) levels and the status of each sample as acinar Ad (Gleason score) or as benign hyperplasia. The results demonstrated that serum levels of VEGF, PEDF, and t-PSA between PCa and BPH were similar to each other, but different to healthy individuals (P<0.05). The VEGF/PEDF ratio in serum had a significant difference between acinar Ad with Gleason score 8–10 and BPH groups (P<0.05). The VEGF and PEDF immunostaining intensities were correlated with its circulating levels in all cases of PCa, but not in BPH. These preliminary results suggest that VEGF and PEDF levels by themselves or in combination with t-PSA did not differentiate between malignant, and benign prostate diseases. However, there was a significant difference observed in the VEGF/PEDF ratio in serum between the groups, suggesting that it may be used as an index for diagnosis and prognosis in a personalized manner, although more studies are necessary.

Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor and Sex Hormone-Responsive Cancers

“…Serum PEDF levels appear to be decreased in PC patients with extracapsular extension compared to those without and inclusion of PEDF in biomarker panels may predict for locally advanced PC [37]. Similarly, decreased serum PEDF in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia and PC compared to healthy individuals has also been reported [38]. Elevated plasma PEDF levels positively correlated with tumour grade in PC patients [39].…”

Inhibiting tumour metastasis by DQA modified paclitaxel plus ligustrazine micelles in treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

“…VEGF is a kind of multi-functional cell regulatory factor, and VEGF could affect the formation and growth of VM channels which is closely related to the tumour invasion and metastasis [31,32]. MMP2 is a protein connected with the ability of tumour metastasis, it can accelerate tumour invasion by degrading the extracellular matrix and the basement membrane [33].…”

The Effects of Resveratrol on Prostate Cancer through Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment

“…Compared to the surrounding non-cancerous tissues, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is upregulated in most solid cancers, including prostate cancer, and one of the major sources of VEGF in the TME is CAFs [ 113 ]. Consistently, overexpression of VEGF receptors (VEGFR) has been found in cancerous endothelial cells, which play an indispensable role in cancer cell migration and metastasis [ 114 ].…”