Original Article BLCA1 expression is associated with angiogenesis of bladder cancer and is correlated with common pro-angiogenic factors

* Equal contributors. Received June 2, 2015; Accepted August 28, 2015; Epub September 15, 2015; Published September 30, 2015 Abstract: Aim: To study the association between expression of BLCA1 and clinicopathological parameters of bladder cancer. Method: Seventy-seven bladder cancer tissue samples were collected and primary antibody of BLCA1 was generated via animal inoculation. Immunohistochemical staining of BLCA1 and several pro-angiogenic factors were performed and evaluated semi-quantitatively. Statistical analyses were used to reveal the associations therein. Results: Expression of BLCA-1 was not associated with tumor characteristics such as occurrence, size, or onset pattern, but was associated with progression of tumor grade, stage, and with muscle invasion. BLCA1 expression was correlated with expression of VEGF, MMP9, IL1α, IL8, and microvessel density (MVD), but not with TNFα expres- sion. Conclusion: BLCA1 is associated with progression of bladder cancer and paly a role in angiogenesis in bladder cancer.