Increased expression of nuclear factor-kappa B/RelA is correlated with tumor angiogenesis in human colorectal cancer

Background and aims. Recent studies have shown that nuclear factor-kappa B/RelA (NF-kappa B/RelA) is involved in tumor angiogenesis. This study examined whether NF-kappa B/RelA expression is associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and microvessel density in human colorectal cancer. Materials and methods. Ten specimens from normal colorectal mucosa and 52 colorectal adenocarcinomas were obtained by surgery or endoscopy. Immunohistochemical expression of NF-kappa B/RelA, VEGF, and CD34 was detected on paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Results. NF-kappa B/RelA and VEGF were significantly overexpressed and associated with microvessel density in colorectal cancer. A significant association was found between NF-kappa B/RelA and VEGF expression. Clinicopathological features were not correlated with NF-kappa B/RelA, VEGF expression, or microvessel density. Conclusion. Our results suggest that increased expression of NF-kappa B/RelA contributes to tumor angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. VEGF may play an important role in mediating the NF-kappa B/RelA angiogenic pathway.