Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor D is associated with hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1 α) and the HIF-1 α target gene DEC1, but not lymph node metastasis in primary human breast carcinomas

Abstract

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) induces angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Nodal metastasis is recognised as a powerful prognostic marker in breast carcinoma, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are unknown. Although it has been suggested that VEGF-D may regulate nodal metastasis, this is based largely on animal models, its role in human disease being unclear. Aims: To measure the pattern and degree of VEGF-D protein expression in normal and neoplastic human breast tissues. Methods: The pattern and degree of VEGF-D expression was measured in normal tissue and invasive carcinomas, and expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters, hy..