Association of von Willebrand factor (vWF) expression with lymph node metastasis and hemodynamics in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between von Willebrand factor (vWF) expression and lymph node metastasis or hemodynamics parameters in PTC. This work will provide a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 156 PTC patients were divided into metastatic and non-metastatic groups based on the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis. The Adler blood flow grading, color doppler flow imaging (CDFI), and blood flow index (PSV, PI, RI, AT) were measured and analyzed between the two groups. The expression of vWF was examined by immunocytochemical assay and quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The function of vWF was investigated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and the transwell assays.

RESULTS

Both metastatic and non-metastatic groups with the major Adler grades as 0-1 had abundant blood flows. There was a significant difference in the rate of lymph node metastasis between Adler 2-3 and Adler 0-1. Moreover, the expression of vWF was found to be associated with lymph node metastasis or Adler blood flow grade in PTC. Significant differences in peak systolic velocity (PSV), systolic acceleration time (AT), and resistance index (RI) were detected in metastatic and non-metastatic groups. In addition, the upregulation of vWF was positively correlated with PSV, RI, and PI in PTC. Functionally, the knockdown of vWF inhibited the development of PTC by suppressing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal expression of vWF is closely related to lymph node metastasis and hemodynamics parameters in PTC patients. Furthermore, vWF plays an oncogene role in PTC progression.