Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The hypoxia- inducible factor (HIF) is an alpha (α)/ beta (β) heterodimeric DNA binding complex and directs an extensive transcriptional response involving the induction of genes relevant to tumor progression, such as angiogenesis, glucose/ energy metabolism, cellular growth, metastasis, and apoptosis. HIF-1A has also emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tissue HIF-1A expression, prognostic significance and the clinicopathologic features of Wilms tumors.

METHODS

Nuclear HIF-1A expression in 53 tissue samples harvested from children with Wilms tumor and its relationship with prognostic parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Tissue samples of 53 cases (male, n=25: 47.2 %, and female, n=28: 52.8 %) with Wilms tumor with a mean age of 3.21±2 years were analyzed. Mean tumor size, and weight of kidneys were 9.1 ± 2.9 cm in diameter and 474.5±310.7 gr, respectively. Thirteen (24.5%) cases were in stage I, 20 (37.7%) in stage II, 7 (14%) in stage III, and 6 (11.3%) stage IV. Forty-two cases were alive (79.2%), while 11 cases (20.8%) were deceased. Mean overall survival time was 65.3±40.2 (2- 148) months. Nuclear HIF-1A expression was positive in only 3 viably tumors (5.7%), while it was negative or cytoplasmic artificially positive in other tumors. Statistically, there was no any correlation between HIF-1A expression and other prognostic factors.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In contrast to other reports, this study indicated that HIF-1A expression is not associated with development and pathogenesis of Wilms Tumor.