Angiogenesis-related Proteins Research Articles

Sex differences in proteomics of cardiovascular disease: results from the Yale-CMD registry

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with notable sex differences in its presentation, mechanisms, and outcomes. Purpose We investigated the serum proteomic profiles of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) patients to uncover sex-specific biological pathways and their roles in disease development. Methods Using the Yale-CMD registry's biobank, we performed a secondary analysis on adults with ischemic symptoms who underwent cardiac PET/CT and were not experiencing myocardial infarction, hemodynamic instability, acute heart failure, febrile illness, dialysis, or consent incapacity. Using PET/CT, we classified participants as controls (normal coronary flow reserve [CFR], no perfusion defect or coronary calcification), CAD (if new perfusion defect or known revascularization), or CMD (CFR <2 without defect or calcification). Using proximity extension assays (Olink® Explore 3072) in high-throughput proteomic analysis, we examined 2944 plasma proteins. Differential protein abundance analysis was performed using linear regression models adjusting for age, race, body mass index, history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking to detect significant changes in protein abundance, with false discovery rate (FDR) control. Functional pathway analyses were conducted to identify the biological functions of the sex-differentially expressed proteins. Results Between 2014-2020, 91 patients of 190 in the registry provided blood samples for this analysis. Participants had median age 56.0 (50.0 - 62.0) years with 66% females. Among these, 48% were controls, 24% had CAD and 27% had CMD. Using linear regression adjusting for confounders, we identified significant sex differences in protein levels related to reproductive functions across all 3 cohorts (Fig. 1). In the CAD cohort, FSHB was upregulated in females, while INSL3 and EDDM3B were upregulated in males (FDR < 0.05). In the CMD cohorts, 6 proteins were differentially expressed (FDR < 0.05), with SCGB3A1 and HGFAC higher in females, and INSL3, SPINT3, EDDM3B, and KLK3 higher in males. Pathway analysis revealed that among patients with CAD, females had upregulation in immune system processes (Fig. 2A), while males showed upregulation of proteins related to endothelial regulation of blood flow (Fig. 2B). Among patients with CMD, females showed upregulation of lipid and glucose metabolism (Fig. 2C), while males showed upregulation of angiogenesis-related proteins (Fig. 2D). Conclusion We demonstrated significant sex differences in proteomic profiles among patients with CAD and CMD, underscoring the potential importance of sex-specific pathways in the pathophysiology of CVD. Our finding supports a need for large-scale validation studies to develop sex-tailored therapeutic strategies and advance precision medicine in cardiovascular health.Differential protein expression by sexPathway overrepresentation

Dual-tDCS Ameliorates Cerebral Injury and Promotes Motor Function Recovery via cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke.

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Dual transcranial direct current stimulation (dual-tDCS) is a promising intervention to treat ischemic stroke, but its efficacy and underlying mechanism remain to be verified. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has recently emerged as a key mediator in cerebral injury. However, little is known about the effect of cGAS-STING on neuronal damage in ischemic stroke, and it remains to be studied whether the cGAS-STING pathway is involved in tDCS intervention for ischemic stroke. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether dual-tDCS can alleviate ischemic brain injury in a rat model of ischemic stroke and if so, whether via cGAS-STING pathway. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was employed to induce a rat model of ischemic stroke. Male SD rats weighing 250-280g were randomly assigned to the Sham, MCAO, Dual-tDCS, Dual-tDCS + RU.521, and Dual-tDCS + 2'3'-cGAMP groups, with 10 rats in each group completing the experiment. Behavioral, morphological, MRI, and molecular biological methods were performed. We found that the cGAS-STING pathway was activated and expressed in neurons after MCAO. Dual-tDCS improved motor function and infarct volume, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, promoted the expression of neurotrophins (BDNF and NGF), CD31, and VEGF, and suppressed inflammation reaction after MCAO via the cGAS-STING pathway. Taken together, dual-tDCS may improve MCAO-induced brain injury and promote the recovery of motor function, resulting from the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and inflammation reaction, as well as promotion of the expression of nerve plasticity- and angiogenesis-related proteins, via cGAS-STING pathway.

Baicalein alleviates palmitic acid-induced endothelial cell dysfunction via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Endothelial cells play a critical role in maintaining vascular function and kinetic homeostasis, but excessive accumulation of palmitic acid (PA) may lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and trigger endothelial cell dysfunction. Baicalin (BCL), a natural plant extract, has received widespread attention for its biological activities in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of BCL on PA-induced endothelial cell dysfunction is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether BCL could inhibit PA-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and thus attenuate endothelial cell dysfunction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into Control, PA, PA + BCL-10 μM, PA + BCL-20 μM, and PA + BCL-50 μM groups. The PA group was treated with PA (200 μM), while the PA + BCL groups were co-treated with different concentrations of BCL (10 μM, 20 μM, 50 μM) for 24 hours. Cell viability was detected by MTT. Cell migration ability was determined by Transwell assay, apoptosis level by flow cytometry, and tube formation ability by tube formation assay. Finally, the levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3) and angiogenesis-related proteins (VEGFA and FGF2) were detected by western blot, MMP-9, as well as the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress biomarkers (GRP78, CHOP, PERK, and ATF4). The results at the cellular level showed that cell viability, migration ability and tube formation ability of PA-induced HUVECs were significantly reduced, while apoptosis level was significantly increased. However, administration of different concentrations of BCL significantly enhanced PA-induced cell viability, migration ability and tube formation ability of HUVECs while inhibiting apoptosis. The results of protein levels showed that the protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were observably up-regulated in the cells of the PA group, while the protein level of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated; compared with the PA group, the protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were much lower and the Bcl-2 protein level was much higher in the PA + BCL group. Additionally, the protein levels of VEGFA, FGF2 and MMP-9 were raised and those of GRP78, CHOP, PERK and ATF4 were lowered in the PA + BCL group of cells in a concentration-dependent manner. BCL significantly attenuates PA-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Abstract A035: Protein quantitative trait loci analysis in diverse prostate cancer patients: A focus on angiogenesis

Abstract Prostate cancer exhibits notable disparities in mortality rates between African American (AA) and European American (EA) populations, with genetic ancestry and the social environment influencing both disease risk and lethality. Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the germline genetic contribution to the physiological variation in levels of circulating angiogenic markers, and the angiogenic process, is largely unknown. This study aims to explore the genetic underpinnings of angiogenesis in prostate cancer patients through a protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) analysis. We analyzed 30 blood-based angiogenesis-related immuno-oncology markers in a cohort of 2,437 men from Ghana and the United States, comprising 1,330 controls and 1,107 prostate cancer cases. A comprehensive evaluation of 4,301,332 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was conducted to investigate their associations with these markers across 3 population groups (Ghanaian, African American, and European American men). In this genome-wide pQTL we identified loci that associated with the levels of 13 markers (p <1.2 x 10-9). Our findings reveal that germline genetic variants may contribute to the variability in circulating angiogenic marker levels, or the systemic angiogenesis-inducing potential, with specific loci showing population-specific associations. We further link these circulating angiogenic markers to prostate cancer disease characteristics. Thus, our results suggest that germline genetic factors influence circulating levels of circulating angiogenesis-related proteins and thereby systemic angiogenesis, with a relationship to prostate cancer. Citation Format: Ashlie Santaliz Casiano, Hunter Schaumloffel, Huaitian Liu, Brittany Jenkins-Lord, Tsion Minas, Tiffany Dorsey, Stefan Ambs. Protein quantitative trait loci analysis in diverse prostate cancer patients: A focus on angiogenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A035.

Apelin-13 alleviates intrauterine adhesion by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition of endometrial epithelial cells and promoting angiogenesis.

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a common complication of surgical manipulation of the uterine cavity such as abortion. The pathology of IUA is characterized by fibrosis, but the pathogenesis is not fully understood. The function of Apelin-13 in IUA and related mechanisms were investigated in this study. The IUA rat model was established. The pathological changes and fibrosis degree of rat uterine tissues were detected by HE and Masson staining after intraperitoneal injection of Apelin-13. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of endometrial epithelial cells and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) of vein endothelial cells were induced by TGF-β1. Tube-forming assay using HUVEC was implemented to detect the effect of Apelin-13 upon angiogenesis. IHC staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot were conducted to detect the expression levels of EMT markers, angiogenesis, and key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling. Apelin-13 significantly alleviated IUA and fibrosis, and increased endometrial thickness and gland number in IUA rats. In addition, Apelin-13 significantly reversed EMT and EnMT induced by IUA modeling and TGF-β1, promoted the tube-forming ability of HUVEC, and up-regulated the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins. Mechanistically, Apelin-13 significantly suppressed smad2/3 phosphorylation and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling via its receptor APJ. Apelin-13 might alleviate IUA via repressing the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and is expected to be a potent therapeutic option for the clinical treatment of IUA.

Inhibition of angiogenesis by the secretome from iPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy-like phenotypes

The blood supply in the retina ensures photoreceptor function and maintains regular vision. Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), caused by the mitochondrial DNA mutations that deteriorate complex I activity, is characterized by progressive vision loss. Although some reports indicated retinal vasculature abnormalities as one of the comorbidities in LHON, the paracrine influence of LHON-affected retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) on vascular endothelial cell physiology remains unclear. To address this, we established an in vitro model of mitochondrial complex I deficiency using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RGCs (iPSC-RGCs) treated with a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone (Rot) to recapitulate LHON pathologies. The secretomes from Rot-treated iPSC-RGCs (Rot-iPSC-RGCs) were collected, and their treatment effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was studied. Rot induced LHON-like characteristics in iPSC-RGCs, including decreased mitochondrial complex I activity and membrane potential, and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. When HUVECs were exposed to conditioned media (CM) from Rot-iPSC-RGCs, the angiogenesis of HUVECs was suppressed compared to those treated with CM from control iPSC-RGCs (Ctrl-iPSC-RGCs). Angiogenesis-related proteins were altered in the secretomes from Rot-iPSC-RGC-derived CM, particularly angiopoietin, MMP-9, uPA, collagen XVIII, and VEGF were reduced. Notably, GeneMANIA analysis indicated that VEGFA emerged as the pivotal angiogenesis-related protein among the identified proteins secreted by health iPSC-RGCs but reduced in the secretomes from Rot-iPSC-RGCs. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blots confirmed the reduction of VEGFA at both transcription and translation levels, respectively. Our study reveals that Rot-iPSC-RGCs establish a microenvironment to diminish the angiogenic potential of vascular cells nearby, shedding light on the paracrine regulation of LHON-affected RGCs on retinal vasculature.

Promotion Effect of Catalpol on Angiogenesis and Potential Mechanisms: A Research Based on Network Pharmacology.

Catalpol, a natural iridoid glycoside, has potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Investigating catalpol's role in angiogenesis is critical for understanding its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in diseases where modulating angiogenesis is beneficial. This study investigates catalpol's influence on angiogenesis and its mechanisms, combining network pharmacology and invitro experiments. The target genes corresponding to the catalpol were analyzed by SwissTargetPrediction. Then angiogenesis-related targets were acquired from databases like GeneCards. Subsequently, the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery was employed for Gene Ontology and pathway analysis, while Cytoscape visualized protein interactions. The effect of catalpol on viability and angiogenesis of HUVECs was further examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and angiogenesis assays. RT-qPCR and western blot were applied to check the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins. Totally, 312 target genes of catalpol and 823 angiogenesis-related targets were obtained with 56 common targets leading to PPI network analysis, highlighting hub genes (AKT1, EGFR, STAT3, MAPK3, and CASP3). These hub genes were mainly enriched in lipid and atherosclerosis pathway and EGFR-related pathway. The invitro experimental results showed that catalpol achieved a concentration-dependent increase in HUVECs viability. Catalpol also promoted the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs and up-regulated the expression of EGFR. EGFR knockdown inhibited the effect of catalpol on HUVECs. Catalpol promotes angiogenesis in HUVECs by upregulating EGFR and angiogenesis-related proteins, indicating its potential therapeutic application in vascular-related diseases.

Octreotide modified liposomes that co-deliver paclitaxel and neferine effectively inhibit ovarian cancer metastasis by specifically binding to the SSTR2 receptors

Early detection of ovarian cancer is challenging, leading to high mortality rates. Paclitaxel has broad-spectrum anti-tumor activity and has been used clinically for the treatment of various cancers. However, the severe side effects of paclitaxel limit its use at high doses. Hence, it is imperative to develop a novel anti-neoplastic agent that can enhance therapeutic efficacy and selectively target tumor sites, thereby mitigating systemic toxicity. In this study, lipid nanoparticles with surface-modified octreotide were constructed by a thin film dispersion method to co-encapsulate paclitaxel and neferine, which are lipophilic compounds, within the phospholipid bilayer, improving their solubility. Liposomes modified with octreotide can increase its active targeting to SKOV3 cells through SSTR-mediated endocytosis and prolong the drug circulation time in vivo. The potential synergistic effects of paclitaxel and neferine were confirmed and quantified by Synergyfinder analysis software. In vitro experimental results showed that neferine can synergistically enhance the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel against human ovarian cancer cells, exerting anti-proliferative, apoptosis-inducing, invasion-suppressing, and angiogenesis-disrupting effects. The in vivo targeting and tumor inhibition of Octreotide-modified liposomes that co-deliver paclitaxel and neferine (OCT-PTX/Nef-Lips) were investigated in mice xenografted with SKOV3 cells. In vivo pharmacodynamic evaluation demonstrated the safe and effective ability of OCT-PTX/Nef-Lips to inhibit tumor volume growth, disrupt tumor tissue morphology, induce apoptosis in tumor cells, and suppress their proliferation. Furthermore, angiogenesis was inhibited through down-regulation of angiogenesis-related proteins (TIE-2, VEGFA, VE-Cadherin, Ang-2).

Eugenol suppresses VEGF-dependent angiogenesis by JAK2/STAT3 pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly vascularized solid tumor, and tumor angiogenesis is closely associated with the metastasis and progression of NSCLC. Antiangiogenic drugs can target the tumor microenvironment to degrade existing tumor blood vessels while inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and have become one of the indispensable treatments for patients with advanced NSCLC. Although various new drugs have been tested in different settings of NSCLC, none of them have shown the desired therapeutic effects so far. Therefore, the search for new and effective therapeutic modalities has become a new goal for treating NSCLC. Objective: Eugenol is a phenolic aromatic compound derived from Eugenia caryophyllata, Cinnamomum cassia, etc., which has historically been used for various medical purposes. Studies have shown that eugenol exhibits significant anticancer effects against several types of cancer; however, its therapeutic effect on angiogenesis remains a mystery. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo antiangiogenic effects of eugenol in NSCLC and the underlying molecular mechanism were explored, which could provide a promising strategy for the treatment of NSCLC. Methods: The effects of eugenol on the proliferative capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and A549 cells were examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The migration and invasion of eugenol-treated HUVECs were evaluated by wounding-healing and transwell assay, and the angiogenesis was measured by tube formation assay. The expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins, as well as the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the effect of eugenol on the apoptotic profile of A549 cells. Finally, the A549 tumor-bearing nude mice were constructed to evaluate the in vivo anti-NSCLC activity of eugenol. Results: Eugenol inhibited the migration, invasion, and tube formation of HUVECs. Meanwhile, eugenol blocked the phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor reporter-2 and inhibited the expression of other angiogenesis-related proteins. In addition, eugenol suppressed the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in HUVECs and A549 cells. Eugenol also suppressed the proliferation of A549 cells by promoting apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth and microvessel formation in A549 cell xenograft-bearing nude mice. Conclusions: Eugenol could be a potential lead compound for the treatment of NSCLC by blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor reporter-2 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.

Abstract 3007: AZGP1 inhibits angiogenesis in prostate cancer

Abstract AZGP1 is involved in various biological processes, including lipid metabolism, regulation of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and immune response. The loss of AZGP1 is associated with worse clinical outcomes, and AZGP1 has been indicated as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of AZGP1 function in prostate cancer are unknown. This study reports AZGP1's pivotal involvement in angiogenesis within the prostate cancer tumor environment. Neither knockout nor overexpression of AZGP1 affects in vitro prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, or invasion. Morphologically, AZGP1-deficient mouse prostates appear normal, but exhibit increased fibroblast growth in periglandular stroma after 6 months. The overexpression of AZGP1 does not impact the growth of PC3 and DU145 tumors; instead, these tumors significantly reduced microvessel density, suggesting AZGP1 exhibits anti-angiogenic properties. Proteomic profiling shows distinct profile of angiogenesis-related proteins between PC3-AZGP1-OV and PC3 control cells, featuring proteins like PDCD6 and MMP9. This study provides insights into the anti-angiogenic attributes of AZGP1 in prostate cancer, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target for prostate cancer. Citation Format: Ru Wen, G Edward Wen, Zhengyuan Qiu, Eric E Peterson, Fernando Jose Garcia Marques, Abel Bermudez, Jonathan R Pollack, Hongjuan Zhao, Sharon Pitteri, James Brooks. AZGP1 inhibits angiogenesis in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3007.

Zhuang-Gu-Fang intervenes vasculogenic and osteogenic coupling in GK rats through Notch1/Noggin/VEGF pathway

BackgroundZhuang-Gu-Fang (ZGF) has been proved to treat osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by increasing osteogenic related factors Leptin, Ghrelin and Peptide YY(PYY). However, the mechanism of ZGF in the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of ZGF on DOP and its potential molecular mechanism. MethodsUsing GK rats as models, the pharmacodynamic effects of ZGF on bone loss were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and micro-computed.tomography (micro-CT). The expression levels of CD31 and endomucin (Emcn) were detected by immunofluorescence to assess the role of ZGF in angiogenic osteogenic coupling. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and Western Blot (WB)were used to detect the expression levels of osteogenic and angiogenesis-related genes and proteins Notch1, Noggin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). ResultsAdministration of ZGF demonstrated a significant mitigation of bone loss attributable to elevated glucose levels. H&E staining and micro-CT showed that ZGF notably improved the integrity of the trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture. Moreover, ZGF was found to augment the density of type H vessels within the bone tissue, alongside elevating the expression levels of Osterix, a transcription factor pivotal for bone formation. Furthermore, our findings suggest that ZGF facilitates the activation of the Notch1/Noggin/VEGF pathway, indicating a potential mechanism through which ZGF exerts its osteoprotective effects. ConclusionOur results suggest that ZGF potentially facilitates the formation of type H vessels through the Notch1/Noggin/VEGF pathway. This action not only enhances angiogenic-osteogenic coupling but also contributes to the improvement of bone structure and density. Consequently, ZGF emerges as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and management of DOP, offering a novel approach by leveraging angiogenesis-dependent osteogenesis.

Immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenesis effects of excavatolide B and its derivatives in alleviating atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily driven by T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, resulting in skin barrier defects, angiogenesis, and inflammatory responses. The marine natural product excavatolide B (EXCB), isolated from the Formosan Gorgonian coral Briareum stechei, exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. To enhance solubility, EXCB is chemically modified into the derivatives EXCB-61 salt and EXCB-79. The study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of these compounds on dinitrochlorbenzene (DNCB)-induced skin damage and to elucidate the underlying anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis mechanism. In vitro, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells, all compounds at 10 μM significantly inhibited expression of inflammatory proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cytokines (interleukin (IL)−1β, IL-6, and IL-17A). In vivo, topical application of these compounds on DNCB-induced AD mice alleviated skin symptoms, reduced serum levels of IgE, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, and interferon-γ, and moderated histological phenomena such as hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and angiogenesis. The three compounds restored the expression of skin barrier-related proteins (loricrin, filaggrin, and claudin-1) and reduced the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins (VEGF and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-CD31) in the tissues. This is the first study to indicate that EXCB, EXCB-61 salt, and EXCB-79 can treat AD disease by reducing inflammation and angiogenesis. Hence, they may be considered potential candidates for the development of new drugs for AD.

Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in post-COVID-19 patients after 6- and 12-months SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes severe endothelial damage, an essential step for cardiovascular complications. Endothelial-colony forming cells (ECFCs) act as a biomarker of vascular damage but their role in SARS-CoV-2 remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether the number of ECFCs and angiogenic biomarkers remained altered after 6 and 12-months post-infection and whether this imbalance correlated with the presence of long-COVID syndrome and other biological parameters measured. Seventy-two patients were recruited at different time-points after overcoming COVID-19 and thirty-one healthy controls. All subjects were matched for age, gender, BMI, and comorbidities. ECFCs were obtained from peripheral blood and cultured with specific conditions. The results confirm the presence of a long-term sequela in post-COVID-19 patients, with an abnormal increase in ECFC production compared to controls (82.8% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01) that is maintained up to 6-months (87.0% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01) and 12-months post-infection (85.0% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01). Interestingly, post-COVID-19 patients showed a significant downregulation of angiogenesis-related proteins compared to controls indicating a clear endothelial injury. Troponin, NT-proBNP and ferritin levels, markers of cardiovascular risk and inflammation, remained elevated up to 12-months post-infection. Patients with lower numbers of ECFC exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as ferritin, suggesting that ECFCs may play a protective role. Additionally, long-COVID syndrome was associated with higher ferritin levels and with female gender. These findings highlight the presence of vascular sequela that last up to 6- and 12-months post-infection and point out the need for preventive measures and patient follow-up.

Prognostic and predictive value of angiogenesis-associated serum proteins for immunotherapy in esophageal cancer

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved patient survival in multiple cancers. However, therapy response in esophageal cancer is limited to subgroups of patients and clinically useful predictive biomarkers are...

Diterpenoid tanshinones inhibit gastric cancer angiogenesis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSalvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine known for activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis, with the effect of cooling blood and eliminating carbuncles, and has been proven to have the effect of treating tumors. However, the inhibitory effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extracts (Diterpenoid tanshinones) on tumors by inhibiting angiogenesis has not been studied in detail. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the anti-gastric cancer effect of diterpenoid tanshinones (DT) on angiogenesis, including the therapeutic effects and pathways. Materials and methodsThis experiment utilized network pharmacology was used to identify relevant targets and pathways of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge-related components in the treatment of gastric cancer. The effects of DT on the proliferation and migration of human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and human umbilical vein endothelial cell line HUVECs were evaluated, and changes in the expression of angiogenesis-related factors were measured. In vivo, experiments were conducted on nude mice to determine tumor activity, size, immunohistochemistry, and related proteins. ResultsThe findings showed that DT could inhibit the development of gastric cancer by suppressing the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting invasion and metastasis. In addition, the content of angiogenesis-related factors and proteins was significantly altered in DT-affected cells and animals. ConclusionsResults suggest that DT has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric cancer, as it can inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis. It was also found that DT may affect the expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, leading to the regulation of tumor angiogenesis. This study provides a new approach to the development of anti-tumor agents and has significant theoretical and clinical implications for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Characteristics of Inflammatory and Normal Endothelial Exosomes on Endothelial Function and the Development of Hypertension.

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with the development of hypertension. We hypothesize that inflammatory and normal endothelial exosomes play their roles by mediating endothelial function, and they induce endothelial angiogenesis through different signaling pathways. Endothelial cell-derived exosomes were isolated from the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with (TExo) or without (CExo) tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. We monitored dermal microcirculation profiles in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and WKY rats using a laser Doppler imager and a laser Doppler perfusion and temperature monitor. Tube formation, levels of angiogenesis-related proteins in HUVEC-conditioned media, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed following TNF-α, CExo, or TExo treatments. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine signaling proteins associated with inflammation and ROS. The results showed increased blood perfusion and the mean amplitude of endothelial oscillator in SHRs following CExo administration. TNF-α, CExo, and TExo treatments promoted endothelial tube formation and elevated levels of angiogenic factors and ROS. TExo significantly increased phosphorylation levels of STAT3, p38, and level of NF-κB, while decreasing phosphorylation levels of JNK and Erk (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CExo significantly increased STAT3 phosphorylation and reduced JNK and Erk phosphorylation (all P < 0.01). In conclusion, TNF-α and TExo induce inflammatory and pathological angiogenesis via the NF-κB pathway, while CExo exhibits a physiologically pro-angiogenic effect on endothelial cells. Increased ROS, interplaying with inflammatory signals, contribute to exosome-mediated alterations of endothelial function, thereby playing a role in the development of hypertension.

Combination of Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide III, and Paeoniflorin promotes angiogenesis and improves neurological recovery in a mouse model of ischemic Stroke

BackgroundPrognosis is critically important in stroke cases, with angiogenesis playing a key role in determining outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Atractylenolide I (Atr I), Atractylenolide III (Atr III), and Paeoniflorin (Pae) in promoting angiogenesis following cerebral ischemia.MethodsThe bEnd.3 cell line was used to evaluate the effects of these three compounds on vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by daily intragastric administration of the Chinese medicine compounds to assess their impact on brain protection and angiogenesis. In vivo experiments included measuring infarct size and assessing neurological function. Immunofluorescence staining and an angiogenesis antibody array were used to evaluate angiogenesis in ischemic brain tissue. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to further investigate the pathways involved in the protective effects of the compounds. Molecular docking analysis explored the potential binding affinity of the compounds to insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), and Western blotting was used to measure levels of angiogenesis-related proteins.ResultsIn vitro, the combination of Atr I, Atr III, and Pae enhanced cell proliferation, promoted migration, and stimulated tube formation. In vivo, the combined treatment significantly facilitated neurological function recovery and angiogenesis by day 14. The treatment also increased levels of angiogenesis-related proteins, including IGF-2. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between IGF-2 levels in ischemic brain tissue and angiogenesis, suggesting a good affinity of the compounds for the IGF-2 binding site, as supported by molecular docking analysis.ConclusionThe administration of Atr I, Atr III, and Pae has shown significant enhancements in long-term stroke recovery in mice, likely due to the promotion of angiogenesis via increased activation of the IGF-2 pathway in ischemic brain tissue.Graphical

Colony-forming endothelial cells – candidate culture for tissue vascular engineering: the gene and proteomic profile

Aim. To validate ECFC culture as a candidate culture for vascular tissue engineering using comparative analysis of the proteomic and gene expression profiles in comparison with cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC).Materials and Methods. ECFC culture was obtained by cultivating peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with coronary artery disease. Commercial HCAECs produced by Cell Applications, and HUVECs cultured according to the modified protocol of Jaffe were used as controls.The cells were lysed with TRIzol, and total RNA was isolated using a Purelink RNA Micro Scale Kit with concomitant DNase treatment. Next, rRNA depletion was carried out, followed by the creation of DNA libraries. DNA libraries were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction on a CFX96 Touch Bio-Rad amplifier. DNA libraries were equimolarly mixed and sequenced on HiSeq 2000 (Illumina) with a paired-end reads of 2x125 nucleotides.Conventional western blotting was performed using pan-endothelial markers CD31, vWF, VEG-FR2/KDR, marker of endothelial progenitor cells CD34, markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition Snail and Slug, and markers of endothelial specification: arterial HEY2, venous COUP-TFII and lymphatic LYVE1, VEGFR2. Dot blotting against 55 angiogenesis-related proteins was performed using Proteome Profiler Human Angiogenesis Array Kit in accordance with the manufacturer's protocol.Results. ECFC overexpresses markers of all three endothelial lineages (KDR, VWF, CD34, NRP2, FLT4 and LYVE1 compared to HCAEC; NOTCH4, DLL2) and LYVE1 compared to HUVEC. Proteomic profiling indicated ECFC as an intermediate population between HCAEC and HU-VEC in term of the expression of HEY2, LYVE1, VEGFR3, Snail and Slug. 261 DEGs were detected between ECFC and HUVEC, and 470 DEGs between ECFC and HCAEC.Conclusion. The gene expression profile of endothelial colony-forming cells corresponds to mature endothelial cells and indicates ECFC as an intermediate population between HCAEC and HUVEC. ECFC culture can be recommended for tissue vascular engineering.

Osmundacetone Inhibits Angiogenesis of Infantile Hemangiomas through Inducing Caspases and Reducing VEGFR2/MMP9.

This study aims to explore the potential of Osmundacetone (OSC) as a new treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IH), the most common benign tumors in infancy. Currently, propranolol serves as the primary treatment for IH, but its effectiveness is limited, and it poses challenges of drug resistance and side effects. Therefore, there is a pressing need to identify alternative therapies for IH. The effects of OSC on the proliferation and apoptosis of HemECs (endothelial cells from hemangiomas) were assessed using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, HOCHEST 33342 staining, and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate OSC's influence on Caspases and angiogenesis-related proteins. Animal models were established using HemECs and BALB/c mice, and histological and immunohistochemical staining were conducted to evaluate the impact of OSC on mouse hemangiomas, VEGFR2, and MMP9 expression. OSC treatment significantly reduced HemECs' viability and colony-forming ability, while promoting apoptosis, as indicated by increased HOCHEST 33342 staining. OSC upregulated the protein expression of Bax, PARP, Caspase9, Caspase3, AIF, Cyto C, FADD, and Caspase8 in HemECs. In animal models, OSC treatment effectively reduced hemangioma size and improved histopathological changes. OSC also suppressed VEGFR2 and MMP9 expression while elevating Caspase3 levels in mouse hemangiomas. OSC demonstrated promising results in inhibiting HemECs' proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and ameliorating pathological changes in hemangiomas in mice. Moreover, it influenced the expression of crucial caspases and angiogenesis-related proteins. These findings suggest that OSC holds potential as a novel drug for clinical treatment of IH.

Quetiapine Significantly Improves the Effectiveness of Radiotherapy in Combating Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression in a Hep3B Xenograft Mouse Model.

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, radiotherapy (RT) stands as a pivotal approach, yet the emergence of radioresistance poses a formidable challenge. This study aimed to explore the potential synergy between quetiapine and RT for HCC treatment. A Hep3B xenograft mouse model was used, the investigation tracked tumor progression, safety parameters, and molecular mechanisms. The findings revealed a synergistic anti-HCC effect when quetiapine was coupled with RT that prolonged tumor growth time and a significantly higher growth inhibition rate compared to the control group. Safety assessments indicated minimal pathological changes, suggesting potential of quetiapine in mitigating RT-induced alterations in liver and kidney functions. Mechanistically, the combination suppressed metastasis and angiogenesis-related proteins, while triggering the activation of apoptosis-related proteins via targeting Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signaling. The potential of the quetiapine and RT combination is emphasized, offering enhanced anti-HCC efficacy, a safety profile, and positioning quetiapine as a radiosensitizer for HCC treatment.