BACKGROUNDIt has been proved that EphB4 and HIF-1α are closely related to the oncogenesis and development of lung cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the biological significances of EphB4 and HIF-1α in lung cancer and their relationship with each other.

METHODSThe expression of EphB4 and HIF-1α was detected in 54 lung cancer tissues and 10 normal lung tissues as control by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSEphB4 and HIF-1α proteins were detectable in 50.0% and 42.6% of all 54 lung cancer tissues respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control (P < 0.05); the positive ratios and the levels of the expressions of EphB4 and HIF-1α proteins were closely related to gross types, differentiations and clinical stages (P < 0.05), but not to histological classification, age, sex and lymph node metastasis (P > 0.05). A highly positive correlation was observed between EphB4 and HIF-1α expression (P < 0.01 ).

CONCLUSIONSOverexpression of EphB4 and HIF-1α may play an important role in the pathogenesis, progression and malignant degree of lung cancer. Detection of EphB4 and HIF-1α expression might be helpful to predict prognosis of patients with lung cancer.