Abstract: Objective To investigate the association of the expressions of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) in colorectal cancer tissues with Dukes’ clinicopathological features. Methods Ang-2 and Tie-2 mRNA
expressions were detected in colorectal cancer tissues, adjacent tissues, and normal tissues by real time-PCR. Quantikine
immunoassays were used to measure the protein expressions of Ang-2 and VEGF in the tissues and serum samples. Results
Ang-2 and Tie-2 levels were significantly higher in the serum of the patients than in the normal tissues (P<0.05), and their
expressions were strongly correlated (r=0.879, P=0.000). Tumor tissue Ang-2 and VEGF levels were significantly higher than
their levels in the adjacent and normal tissues (P<0.05). In colorectal cancer patients, the peripheral blood level of Ang-2 was
significantly higher than that in healthy control subjects, and comparable with that in mesenteric blood (P>0.05). In Dukes’
stage C and D patients, serum Ang-2 and VEGF levels were significantly higher than those in patients in Dukes’ stage A and B
(P<0.05). Conclusion Ang-2 and VEGF overexpressions may play an important role in the occurrence and progression of
colorectal cancer.