Vasculogenic mimicry formation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Objective

To explore possibility of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by constructing tumor cell three-dimensional culture system and liver cancer tissues.

Methods

Based on three-dimensional cell culture system developed by matrigel, liver cancer cell lines HepG2 were tested for evidence of VM. Fifteen HCC simples were collected. Potential formation of tumor channels and their characterization of network were observed by immunohistochemical and histological double staining of CD31 and PAS, or Ferritin and PAS.

Results

Three-dimensional culture model of HCC cell line proved the liver cancer cells stretch out thin and long tubers at the second day, and the cells linked each other to form wreath and network structure at the seventh day. In fifteen HCC simples, endothelial cells were all stained by CD31, and tumor cells were all stained by Ferritin. The immunohistochemical and histological double staining also exhibited evidence of VM in seven simples of HCC, CD31-negative and Ferritin-positive tumor cells were observed to form tubal structure. Tumor cells were separated by PAS-positive matter like basement membrane from the tube. Red blood cells could be seen in the tube. In well-differentiated simples, VM was less than that in poorly differentiated ones, and several CD31-positive tumor cells could be observed in poorly differentiated simples.

Conclusion

HepG2 cells have the capacity of self-metamorphose and vascularized trend. The tumor cells can obtain oxygen and nutrition through this structure.