Purpose: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histological subtype of renal carcinoma, accounting for 75%–80% of cases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes angiogenesis via its membrane receptors (VEGFRs), and E-cadherin, which decreases in expression during invasion and metastasis, are both implicated in ccRCC pathogenesis. We analyzed the relationship between these proteins and ccRCC lesions to assess their usefulness as prognostic markers. Materials and Methods: Renal tumor tissue samples from nephrectomies of 69 patients were analyzed using immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate the expression of the aforementioned proteins. These findings were then compared with established prognostic scales. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics ver. 29.0.1.0. Results: VEGF intensity was significantly correlated with tumor size (T; p=0.002), stage (p<0.001), and metastasis (M; p=0.049) according to the TNM classification. VEGFR3 expression correlated positively with tumor size (T; p=0.046) and stage (p=0.040). E-cadherin expression correlated negatively with tumor size (p=0.047). In relation to prognostic scales, VEGF expression correlated with the UCLA Integrated Staging System score (p=0.009), while E-cadherin correlated with the stage, size, grade and necrosis (SSIGN) score (p=0.044). For both overall and disease-free survival, significant differences were observed between the moderate (2++) and intense (3+++) VEGFR3 intensity groups (p=0.009 for both). Conclusion VEGF may have prognostic value due to its association with tumor size, stage, metastasis, and the UCLA Integrated Staging System score. Similarly, VEGFR3 shows prognostic potential based on its correlations with tumor size, stage, and its relation to overall and disease-free survival. E-cadherin also demonstrates prognostic significance through its association with tumor size and the SSIGN score.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is frequently encountered during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and has been associated with stone formation in the bile duct. The effects of PAD on the ERCP procedure have been often debated. We aimed to compare the therapeutic success of ERCP between patients with PAD and matched controls. METHODS: We reviewed all ERCPs with findings of PAD in a national database (n=1,089) and compared them with age- and gendermatched controls in a 1:3 fashion (n=3,267). Demographics, endoscopic findings, visualization of main structures, and therapeutic success rates were compared between groups. Secondary analysis compared PAD cases and controls who had gallstone disease. RESULTS: The average cohort age was 68.4±14.3 years and 55.1% were male. ERCP success was similar in both groups, and no significant inter-group differences were found in the multivariate analysis. The presence of PAD did not affect the rates of sphincterotomy or visualization of main biliary structures. Secondary analysis showed similar success rates for gallstone removal between patients with PAD and controls. CONCLUSIONS: PAD may not be considered a hinderance to ERCP success. Further research is needed to determine the best approach to cannulate the ampulla and provide endoscopic therapy for different subtypes of PAD.
Bile Ducts ; Case-Control Studies ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Cohort Studies ; Demography ; Diverticulum ; Gallstones ; Humans ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis