Is inactivation of PTEN associated with increased angiogenesis and VEGF overexpression in gastric cancer?
Our results imply that inactivation of PTEN gene and over-expression of VEGF contribute to the neovascularization and progression of gastric cancer. PTEN-related angiogenesis might be attributed to its up-regulation of VEGF expression. PTEN and VEGF could be used as the markers reflecting the biologic behaviors of tumor and viable targets in therapeutic approaches to inhibit angiogenesis of gastric cancers.
Alcohol, tobacco and obesity are independent risk factors for HCC in our patient population, and they interact synergistically to increase the risk of HCC. Data from this study may allow us to stratify cirrhotics into low- and high-risk groups for the development of HCC surveillance strategies.