Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in cerebral arteriovenous malformations.
Schlüsselwörter
Abstrakt
BACKGROUND
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its tyrosine kinase family of receptors (VEGFR) (Flt-1, Flk-1, Flt-4) have been implicated in vascular angiogenesis and remodelling in cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVM). In this study, we investigate the role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1alpha) in CAVM and its relationship to VEGF and VEGFR.
METHODS
Surgical specimens from 26 patients undergoing CAVM resection were studied for HIF-1alpha , VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1 and Flt-4. The mean age was 34.08 +/- 14.18 years. Twenty-one patients presented with intracerebral haemorrhage.
RESULTS
VEGF, Flt-1 and Flt-4 were expressed in all specimens. Flk-1 was expressed in 15 of 26 patients. HIF-1alpha was expressed in 15 of 26 patients. HIF-1alpha expression was significantly associated with VEGF, Flt-1 and Flk-1 expression (p < 0.05)
CONCLUSIONS
HIF-1alpha is expressed in human CAVM. The expression of HIF-1alpha is significantly related to VEGF and VEGFR expression, suggesting a possible role for its induction and role in maintaining angiogenesis and vascular remodelling.