Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Lung Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): A. Uchiyama, T. Morisaki, K. Beppu, M. Kojima, Y. Matsunari, A. Nakatsuka, K. Mizumoto, K. Matsumoto, T. Nakamura, M. Tanaka
Primary Institution: Kyushu University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
Hypothesis
Surgery in lung cancer patients induces hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and invasion-stimulatory activity in pleural fluid.
Conclusion
Lung surgery significantly increases HGF levels in pleural fluid, which correlates with enhanced cancer cell invasion.
Supporting Evidence
- HGF levels in pleural fluid after lung surgery ranged from 6.0 to 23.0 ng ml−1.
- The matrix invasion of lung carcinoma cells was significantly higher in the presence of pleural fluid compared to culture medium alone.
- The invasion-stimulatory activity of pleural fluid was inhibited by HGF-neutralizing antibody.
- There was a positive correlation between HGF level and invasion-stimulatory activity.
Takeaway
When doctors perform surgery on lung cancer patients, it makes a special protein called HGF that helps cancer cells invade more easily.
Methodology
HGF levels were measured in pleural fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the effect on cancer cell invasion was assessed with a Boyden chamber assay.
Participant Demographics
Patients who underwent pulmonary resection for primary or metastatic lung cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0073
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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