The Modeling Analysis and Effect of CHI3L1 and CD31-Marked Microvessel Density in the Occurrence and Development of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3Ll) has been identified as a novel tumor marker in several cancers. The objective of this study was to detect the expression of Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and CD31-labeled microvessel density (MVD) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and to assess its prognostic impact. METHODS: Elivision™ plus immunohistochemical method was used to detect CHI3L1 expression and MVD in different cervical tissues. We analyzed the relationship between CHI3L1 and MVD in CSCC tissues and investigated the relationship between CHI3L1, MVD, and clinicopathological parameters. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to assess the impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The positive expression rate of CHI3L1 protein in CSCC tissues (69.9%, 72/103) was significantly higher than that in high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions (53.3%, 32/60), low-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions (25%, 15/60), and normal cervical tissues (16.7%, 10/60). MVD values ranged from 6 to 64 in CSCC, and no microvascular formation was observed in normal cervical tissues, high-grade intraepithelial lesions, or low-grade intraepithelial lesions. The high expression of CHI3L1 and MVD was significantly correlated with the invasion depth, differentiation degree, vascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis of CSCC (all P < 0.05). In CSCC, the expression of MVD in the CHI3L1 high-expression group (41.35 ± 9.056) was significantly higher than that in the CHI3L1 low-expression group (23.26 ± 11.000, P < 0.05). On univariate Kaplan–Meier analysis, FIGO stage, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, CHI3L1, and MVD of CSCC were related to the prognosis of PFS and OS (all P < 0.05); however, CHI3L1 and MVD were not independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: CHI3L1 may be involved in the progression of cervical cancer. Its high expression can promote neovascularization in the tumor microenvironment. CHI3L1 is a potential therapeutic target in the context of cervical cancer.