The expression of KDR and AT1-R was studied in endometrial carcinoma and normal endometrium by Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis in 136 samples. The expression profile was correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of endometrial adenocarcinoma.
We noted a significant correlation between the expression of KDR and AT1-R in tumour grade G1, G2 and G3 (Rs = 0.50; p = 0.002, Rs = 0.69; p = 0.0001, Rs = 0.52; p = 0.005, respectively). In stage I and stage II carcinoma, a significant correlation was also found between the expression of KDR and AT1-R (Rs = 0.70, p = 0.0001, Rs = 0.67; p = 0.001, respectively). Moreover significant correlation was observed between both KDR and AT1-R in tissue with different myometrial invasion (Rs = 0.54, p = 0.0001, Rs = 0.68; p = 0.0001; respectively for tumours with invasion into the inner half and invasion into the outer half).
Basing on received correlation between AT1-R and KDR expression and previous results we speculate that angiotensin through AT1-R modulates KDR expression and thus have influence on local VEGF level. However, further studies are required to clarify the biological interaction between KDR, AT1-R and other hormonal regulators in endometrial carcinoma.