Abstract
Angiogenesis is vital for tumour formation, development and metastasis. Recent reports show that carbon nanomaterials inhibit various angiogenic signalling pathways and, therefore, can be potentially used in anti-angiogenic therapy. In the present study, we compared the effect of different carbon nanomaterials on blood vessel development. Diamond nanoparticles, graphite nanoparticles, graphene nanosheets, multi-wall nanotubes and C60 fullerenes were evaluated for their angiogenic activities using the in ovo chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model. Diamond nanoparticles and multi-wall nanotubes showed the greatest anti-angiogenic properties. Interestingly, fullerene exhibited the opposite effect, increasing blood vessel development, while graphite nanoparticles and graphene had no effect. Subsequently, protein levels of pro-angiogenic growth factor receptors were analysed, showing that diamond nanoparticles decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. These results provide new insights into the biological activity of carbon nanomaterials and emphasise the potential use of multi-wall nanotubes and diamond nanoparticles in anti-angiogenic tumour therapy.
Highlights
Angiogenesis is the most common process of new blood vessel development
Nanomaterials In the present study, we used in ovo chicken embryo chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) to compare the antiangiogenic properties of pristine carbon nanomaterials: diamond nanoparticles (ND), graphite nanoparticles (NG), graphene nanosheets (GNS), multi-wall nanotubes (MWNT) and C60 fullerenes (C60)
We compared the influence of different carbon nanoparticles on the development of blood vessels, using the chicken embryo CAM implantation method as a model for angiogenesis [19]
Summary
Angiogenesis is the most common process of new blood vessel development. Growth of new vessels starts from pre-existing ones and consists of two main processes: sprouting (endothelial cell migration) and intussusception (splitting of vessels) [1,2]. The growth of blood vessels depends on a balance between angiogenesis-promoting and angiogenesis-inhibiting signalling molecules. Vascular network growth is an essential process, especially during embryonic development, tissue remodelling and regeneration. Disorders in blood vessel development may foster diseases like chronic inflammatory disorders. Development of new vessels is essential for the growth and metastasis of tumours, in which pro-angiogenic molecules like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) play critical roles. Binding of FGF and especially VEGF, which is considered a major molecule controlling blood vessel morphogenesis, to their tyrosine kinase receptors activates
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