The reduction in pigment epithelium-derived factor is a sign of malignancy in ovarian cancer expressing low-level of vascular endothelial growth factor.

Background: Angiogenesis is a critical factor in the progression of solid tumors and metastasis. The aim of this study was to characterise the roles of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors on ovarian cancer.

Methods: The expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, angiogenic factor) and pigment epithelial growth factor (PEDF, anti-angiogenic factor) were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting in ovarian tumors.