Expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor and tumor necrosis factor-α is correlated in bladder tumor and is related to tumor angiogenesis

Objective: Angiogenesis is a pivotal process on which solid tumor growth is substantially dependent. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is the most potent natural anti-angiogenic factor, which has seldom been studied in bladder tumor, and whose functioning pathway remains unclear. We have thus investigated PEDF expression in relation to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and microvessel density (MVD) with immunohistochemistry. Methods: Antibodies of PEDF and TNF-alpha were examined by Western blotting before immunohistochemistry. Sixty-four urothelial tumor sections and 23 normal controls were stained and expression of PEDF, TNF-alpha, and MVD were studied. Results: Decreased PEDF expression and increased TNF-alpha expression was noticed in tumorous tissue compared with healthy urothelium. Lower PEDF expression was related to higher tumor grade but stage. Increased TNF-alpha expression was noticed in recurrent, larger tumors as well as in tumors with progression in grade and stage. Expression of PEDF and TNF-alpha was correlated in bladder tumor. PEDF or TNF-alpha was correlated with MVD negatively or positively, respectively, in cancerous tissue and tumorous grouping without correlation in papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential. Conclusion: Expressional change of PEDF and TNF-alpha is in relation to angiogenesis of bladder tumor, especially in bladder cancer development. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.