Expression of neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestine peptide in pathological tissues of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia and its clinical significance

Background: We aimed to determine the expression of two neuropeptides, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestine peptide (VIP), in the pathological tissues of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) patients for understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of CPT. Methods: Periosteum and bone specimens from 20 CPT patients were studied, in comparison to 20 normal periosteum and bone tissues as control. Immunohistochemistry staining to determine the expression of NPY and VIP was performed and the differences between in the CPT and control groups were compared. Results: NPY was expressed at blood vessel wall and periphery of vessels in periosteum and bones. NPY expression levels were higher in periosteum of CPT than that in control group. NPY was not expressed in bones of CPT and control groups. VIP was expressed both in periosteum and bone tissues. The levels of VIP expression in CPT periosteum were significantly less than those in the control group. Conclusion: VIP expression was significantly higher in osteoclasts of CPT than those of control. Abnormal expression of NPY and VIP in CPT tissues may be a causal factor of CPT.