Microvessel density and regulators of angiogenesis in malignant and nonmalignant prostate tissue.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between microvessel density (MVD), positive and negative angiogenic factors, and established prognostic factors in prostate cancer (PC), and, to clarify the effect of angiogenic factors to angiogenesis. The vascularization of neoplastic, non-neoplastic prostate tissue was determined by CD34 immunostaining. Angiogenetic mediators VEGF, bFGF, TSP-1, and p53 were studied by immunohistochemistry. Neovascularization and p53, VEGF, and TSP-1 expressions of tumorous tissue were higher than non-tumorous tissue. The bFGF expression in these tissues was not different. The p53 expression was not correlated with the expressions of VEGF, bFGF, and TSP-1 in PC. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in MVD, VEGF, TSP-1, and p53 expressions in prostate tumorigenesis. The pretreatment sPSA was the only parameter demonstrating significant correlation with tumor grade and may have a value in the prediction of aggressive tumor behavior in PC.