Significant correlation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression with neovascularization and progression of breast carcinoma

Cancer. 2001 Sep 1;92(5):1085-91. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(20010901)92:5<1085::aid-cncr1424>3.0.co;2-k.

Abstract

Background: Macrophages often infiltrate into solid tumor tissues. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are known to play a crucial role in tumor progression. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is one of the major chemokines capable of inducing chemotactic migration of monocytes.

Methods: With the objective of investigating the clinical significance of MCP-1, the authors analyzed the expression of MCP-1 and of some other molecules by immunohistochemistry in 230 samples of primary breast carcinoma tissue. MCP-1 staining was performed using an anti-MCP-1 monoclonal antibody, and it was assessed by grading the percentage of stained cells.

Results: It was found that 117 breast tumor specimens (51%) had intensive staining in tumor cells. The expression of MCP-1 in tumor cells had a significant correlation with the expression of thymidine phosphorylase and membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase. In addition, MCP-1 expression tended to be associated with the accumulation of TAMs, which were counted by CD68 staining, and with microvessel density. MCP-1 expression in TAMs was correlated significantly with the histologic vessel invasion of tumor cells.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that MCP-1 may play key roles in macrophage recruitment, in the expression of angiogenic factors, and in the activation of matrix metalloproteinases in patients with breast carcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / blood supply
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
  • Chemokine CCL2 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / metabolism
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism
  • Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Chemokine CCL2
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Progesterone