[Relationship of hypoxia-induced factor with tumor angiogenesis in early liver metastasis in colonic cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationships of hypoxia-induced factor (HIF) with tumor angiogenesis and early liver metastasis in colonic cancer. METHODS: Thirty three cases of colon cancer undergoing radical surgery were divided into two groups according to liver metastasis or not within half a year after operation. Expressions of HIF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined using immunohistochemical method and tumor microvessel density (MVD) was measured in colonic cancer specimens. RESULTS: Fifteen cases developed early liver metastasis, while 18 did not. The positive rates of HIF and VEGF, and MVD were 86.7%, 66.7%, (57.9+/- 12.7)% respectively in the group with early liver metastasis, significantly higher than 44.4% (P< 0.05), 27.8% (P< 0.05) and (22.3+/- 10.2)% (P< 0.01) respectively in the group without early liver metastasis respectively. CONCLUSION: HIF can promote tumor angiogenesis in colonic cancer, and is closely related with early liver metastasis.