Correlation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α with angiogenesis in liver tumors after transcatheter arterial embolization in an animal model

Bin Liang, Chuan Sheng Zheng, Gan Sheng Feng, Han Ping Wu, Yong Wang, Hui Zhao, Jun Qian, Hui Min Liang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study sought to determine the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and its relation to angiogenesis in liver tumors after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in an animal model. A total of 20 New Zealand White rabbits were implanted with VX2 tumor in liver. TAE-treated group animals (n = 10) received TAE with polyvinyl alcohol particles. Control group animals (n = 10) received sham embolization with distilled water. Six hours or 3 days after TAE, animals were humanely killed, and tumor samples were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression and microvessel density (MVD). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine VEGF mRNA levels. The levels of HIF-1α protein were significantly higher in TAE-treated tumors than those in the control tumors (P = 0.001). HIF-1α protein was expressed in viable tumor cells that were located predominantly at the periphery of necrotic tumor regions. The levels of VEGF protein and mRNA, and mean MVD were significantly increased in TAE-treated tumors compared with the control tumors (P = 0.001, 0.000, and 0.001, respectively). HIF-1α protein level was significantly correlated with VEGF mRNA (r = 0.612, P = 0.004) and protein (r = 0.554, P = 0.011), and MVD (r = 0.683, P = 0.001). We conclude that HIF-1α is overexpressed in VX2 tumors treated with TAE as a result of intratumoral hypoxia generated by the procedure and involved in activation of the TAE-associated tumor angiogenesis. HIF-1α might represent a promising therapeutic target for antiangiogenesis in combination with TAE against liver tumors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)806-812
Number of pages7
JournalCardioVascular and Interventional Radiology
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Embolization
  • Experimental
  • Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α
  • Liver neoplasms
  • Pathologic
  • Therapeutic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Correlation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α with angiogenesis in liver tumors after transcatheter arterial embolization in an animal model'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this