Effects of activated hepatic stellate cells on proliferation and angiogenesis in nude mice hepatocellular carcinoma model through secretion of angiopoietin-1

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of activated hepatic stellate cells(aHSCs)on proliferation and angiogenesis in nude mice hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)model through secretion of angiopoietin-1. Methods A hepatocellular carcinoma model was established by means of subcutaneous injection on nude mice.In the experimental group, the mixture of LX-2 and HepG2 cells(1∶1,100μl in total,and 5 ×109/L of both cell lines) were given.In the the intervention group, the mixture of LX-2(siAng-1) and HepG2(1∶1,100μl in total,and 5×109/L of both cell lines).In the control group,only HepG2 cells were given(100μl in total, 5×109/L).The growth of tumors was observed,and the tumors were resected after four weeks.Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA expression levels of Ang-1, Ang-2 and CD34 were detected. Results The tumor size in experimental group was significantly bigger than in control group [(445. 3±43. 2) mm3 vs.(167. 8±22. 9)mm3,P<0. 05],and the growth rate was decreased when Ang -1 mRNA was silenced[(445. 3±43. 2)mm3 vs.(235. 4±16. 5)mm3,P<0. 05].Ang-1 was consistent to CD34 in distribution,and the expression levels of CD34 and Ang-1 in experimental group were significantly higher than those in the intervention group and control group(both P< 0. 05). Conclusion a HSC can promote both the growth of hepatoma cells and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma through secretion of angiopoietin-1. Key words: Carcinoma, hepaticellular; Angiopoietin-1; Angiogenesis