Abstract:
Objective To investigate the expression level of the cell surface antigen 4F2 heavy chain (4F2hc) and its relation to pathological features, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis in human brain gliomas.
Methods The expressions of 4F2hc, Ki-67, and CD34 were examined through immunohistochemistry. Ki-67 labeling index (Ki 67 LI) and microvessel density (MVD) were also measured in 62 cases of human brain glioma.
Results 4F2hc was over-expressed in the glioma tissues. Its immunoreactivity was found in the tumor cells and in the vascular endothelia. The expression of 4F2hc was significantly enhanced as the glioma pathological grade increased (P= 0.001), which was significantly higher in the malignant glioma tissues than in the benign glioma tissues (P= 0.002). 4F2hc expression was markedly and positively correlated with Ki-67 labeling index (P= 0.003). However, no significant correlation was observed with microvessel density (P= 0.214).
Conclusions 4F2hc is closely associated with the formation and progression of gliomas, and may play an important role in the latter's malignant proliferation.