Abstract
BackgroundThe multidrug combination regimen, typically consisting of Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, non‐Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors and Protease Inhibitors has altered the morbidity pattern of HIV‐infected individuals. But its effects on cervical cancer is still hotly debated. Speculations abound; does this regimen induce or promote the progression of cervical cancer?ObjectivesSince the formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing vasculature (angiogenesis) is required for cancer growth and development, this study investigated the effects of the antiretroviral drugs on the expression levels of a key angiogenic regulatory gene; vascular endothelial growth factor 165b (VEGF165b) in two human cervical cell lines; human squamous cell carcinoma cells (HCS‐2) and transformed normal human cervical cells (NCE16IIA). We hypothesised that the antiretroviral compounds – individually or in combination might down‐regulate anti‐angiogenic VEGF165b gene and/or protein expression thereby favouring angiogenesis.Materials and MethodsThe cells were treated with different concentrations and combinations of the drugs and for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and VEGF165b mRNA and protein expression were determined by Real Time qPCR and immuno‐fluorescence.ResultsSome of the antiretroviral drugs and combinations tested produced patterns of slight up or down‐regulation of VEGF165b mRNA that suggests pro‐angiogenesis but the changes did not achieve statistical significance. They also did not alter VEGF165b protein localisation in both cell lines.ConclusionsThe findings reported here suggest that antiretroviral drugs probably do not influence VEGF165b of the angiogenic pathway in the development of cervical cancer in patients under the combined antiretroviral regimen.Support or Funding InformationMedical Research Council of South AfricaThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
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