Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression Research Articles

Unraveling the role of LDHA and VEGFA in oxidative stress: A pathway to therapeutic interventions in cerebral aneurysms.

Cerebral aneurysms (CA) are critical conditions often associated with oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) plays a crucial role in glycolysis and lactate metabolism, processes implicated in the pathogenesis of aneurysms. Understanding these molecular mechanisms can inform the development of novel therapeutic targets. This study investigated the role of lactate metabolism and lactate-related genes, particularly LDHA and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) genes, in VECs during oxidative stress. Using the GSE26969 dataset, we identified differential expression of lactate-related genes and performed functional enrichment analysis, revealing significant associations with glycolysis and lactate metabolic pathways. To induce oxidative stress, VECs were treated with H2O2, and the expression of LDHA and VEGFA was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) assays. Under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) conditions, the effects of LDHA overexpression and VEGFA knockdown on cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated. Immunoprecipitation combined with western blotting was used to detect the lactylation status of LDHA following OGD/R stimulation and treatment with lactic acid (LA) and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Our results indicated that oxidative stress modulates LDHA expression, glucose uptake, and lactate production, suggesting a metabolic shift towards glycolysis. LDHA overexpression improved cell survival and reduced apoptosis, while VEGFA knockdown had the opposite effect. Additionally, 2-DG treatment reduced LDHA lactylation and apoptosis. Our findings demonstrated that LDHA plays a critical role in the oxidative stress response of VECs, highlighting the potential therapeutic value of targeting glycolysis in CA. This study contributes to the understanding of metabolic adaptations in vascular pathologies and suggests new avenues for therapeutic intervention in CA management.

Interaction between VEGF-A and immune checkpoint targets in triple-negative breast cancer and mechanisms of immune evasion and tumor progression.

1096 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, not all patients with TNBC benefit from the addition of ICIs due to factors such as intrinsic and acquired resistance to ICIs, and complex interplay between tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes angiogenesis and potentially modulates tumor immune evasion. A phase I clinical trial has shown that a bispecific antibody to VEGF-A and PD-L1 produces encouraging tumor responses in advanced TNBC. In this study, we investigated the interaction between VEGF and various immune gene expression signatures including PD-L1 in a real-world breast cancer patient population. Methods: Comprehensive immune profiling, including the RNA-seq based gene expression assessment of 395 immune-associated genes, was performed on 120 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancer samples. PD-L1 expression (Combined Positive Score, CPS ≥ 10%) was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC; 22C3). Clinicopathologic variables were collected. Statistical associations between quantitative biomarkers, including 28 immune checkpoint genes, were calculated using Pearson correlations (r), and comparisons of quantitative biomarkers between groups were performed using the proportions test. For statistical significance, p<0.05 was required. Results: The study cohort included 29 patients (24.2%) with TNBC and 91 (75.2%) with non-TNBC (including ER+/HER2- and HER2+). Most patients had metastatic tumors (n=92, 76.7%) and invasive ductal carcinoma (n=83, 69.2%). Among the TNBC group, 21 patients had PD-L1 positive tumors (72.4%), defined by CPS ≥ 10.In non-TNBC, VEGF has significant, though weak (r<0.35) correlations with the expression of three checkpoint genes: AKT1 (r=0.35, p=0.00063), ICOS (r=0.34, p=0.00099), and TIM3 (r=0.29, p=0.0061). In TNBC, VEGF has significant, strong (r>0.47) correlations with the expression of three other checkpoint genes: PD-1 (r=0.47, p=0.0094), PD-L1 (r=0.57, p=0.0012), and PIK3CA (r=0.6, p=0.00051) However, in TNBC, VEGF gene expression does not have a statistical association with PD-L1 IHC (CPS ≥/< 10 (p=0.9)). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is an interplay between angiogenesis and an immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment in TNBC to a greater degree than in non-TNBCs. This supports the notion that angiogenesis mediators such as VEGF-A may enhance the expression of immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules, leading to immune evasion and tumor progression. Combination treatments of ICIs, especially anti-PD-1 therapy, with VEGF antibodies may be promising approaches to enhance the immune responses in TNBC, especially in tumors with CPS<10, where the current frontline treatment is cytotoxic chemotherapy.

C10orf99 regulates angiogenesis by regulating VEGF and MMP2 in psoriasis

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive neovascularization. It was previously found that C10orf99 regulates keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation in psoriasis. However, the role of C10orf99 on angiogenesis associated with psoriasis is unknown.MethodsWe used imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis mice and M5‐induced cellular model of psoriasis to research the effects of C10orf99 knockdown on angiogenesis in psoriasis in vivo and in vitro.ResultsIn this study, our data showed that C10orf99 knockdown ameliorated imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced red plaques in mice and reduced the number of microvessels. Furthermore, we found such an effect was achieved by down‐regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metallomatrix proteinase 2 (MMP2). Consistently, C10orf99 knockdown significantly downgraded the expression of MMP2 and VEGF in cellular model of psoriasis.ConclusionThese results suggested that C10orf99 could regulate angiogenesis in psoriasis and it might be a promising potential target of psoriasis.

Sinusoidal alternating electromagnetic field accelerates fracture healing in rats.

To investigate the effect of sinusoidal alternating electromagnetic field (SEMF) on fracture healing and its mechanism. Femoral fracture model was established using specific pathogen free male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into the control and SEMF groups with 15 rats in each group. The SEMF group was given 50 Hz 1.8 mT for 90 min every day, while the control group was not treated. X-ray examinations were performed every two weeks to determine the formation of bone scabs. Three rats from both groups were sacrificed after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Protein was extracted from the fractured femurs, and the expression of type Ⅰ collagen (COL-1), osterix (OSX), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected by Western blotting. After 8 weeks, the femur on the operated side was taken for micro-CT scanning to observe fracture healing, angiography to observe blood vessel growth, and organs such as hearts, livers, spleens, lungs, and kidneys were taken for safety evaluation by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining). The bone scab scores of the SEMF group were significantly higher than those of the control group after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment (all P<0.01). The fracture healing of the SEMF group was better than that of the control group after 8 weeks, and the bone volume scores of the two groups were 0.243±0.012 and 0.186±0.008, respectively (P<0.01); the number of blood vessels in the SEMF group was also more than that of the control group after 8 weeks. Western blotting results showed that the expressions of COL-1, OSX, RUNX2, and VEGF were higher in the SEMF group than those in the control group after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment (all P<0.05). HE staining showed that histopathological results of the examined organs were normal in both groups. SEMF can accelerate fracture healing by promoting the expression of osteogenic factors and vascular proliferation without significant adverse effects.

The features of endometrial receptivity in women underwent in vitro fertilization procedure

The objective: to determine the endometrial receptivity markers in women who underwent the procedure of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Materials and methods. The study included 191 patients who applied to the reproductive department of Caspian International Hospital from 2020 to 2022 for an examination for infertility.The main group included 50 patients with infertility who underwent endometrial biopsy during the implantation window (7th–9th days after ovulation in the cycle preceding the IVF stage); the control group – 20 women who underwent treatment for male infertility with a positive program result.The patients underwent IVF according to the standard method. The following expression levels were determined: leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The percentage expression of area indices was estimated.Results. In the women of the main group absence of embryo transfer was in 5 (10%) cases, no pregnancy – 27 (54%) cases, presence of pregnancy – 23 (46%) cases, cycle disruption – 3 (6%) cases.According to the results of a histological examination in women of the control group, complete secretory transformation of the endometrium was determined in 85% of cases. In the main group complete secretory transformation of the endometrium was detected in 48%, defective secretory transformation – in 42%, morphological signs of endometrial changes corresponding to the average secretory phase of the cycle – in 10% of women.A significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) in the expression of LIF in the histological structures (stroma) of the endometrium was revealed in the main study group compared to the control one. The most pronounced differences were observed in the expression level of TGF-β1 in the stroma (approximately 10-fold; p&lt;0.001).Conclusions. Thus, infertile women who underwent IVF have multidirectional changes in endometrial receptivity markers: decrease in LIF expression in the stroma and epithelium, increase in VEGF expression in the stroma, and a significant increase in TGF-β1 expression in the stroma and epithelium. These changes indicate an abnormal functional state of the endometrium and affect the results of IVF in patients (absence of oocyte transfer and failure to conceive).

Resveratrol-coated chitosan mats promote angiogenesis for enhanced wound healing in animal model.

Growing incidences of chronic wounds recommend the development of optimal therapeutic wound dressings. Electrospun nanofibers have been considered to show potential wound healing properties when accompanied by other wound dressing materials. This study aimed to explore the potential role of Chitosan (CS) nanofibrous mats coated with resveratrol (RS) as an antioxidant and pro-angiogenic agent in rat models of skin wound healing. Electrospun chitosan/polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning technology and coated by 0.05 and 0.1 mg.ml resveratrol named as (CS/RS 0.05) and (CS/RS 0.1), respectively. The scaffolds were characterized physiochemically such as invitro release study, TGA, FTIR spectroscopy analysis, biodegradability, and human dermal fibroblast seeding assay. The scaffold was subsequently used invivo as a skin substitute on a rat skin wound model. In vitro tests revealed that all scaffolds promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. However, more cell viability was observed in CS/RS 0.1 scaffold. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was validated by MTT assay, and the results did not show any toxic effects on human dermal fibroblasts. It was observed that RS-coated scaffolds had the ability to release RS in a controlled manner. In invivo tests CS/RS 0.1 scaffold had the greatest impact on the healing process by improving the neodermis formation and modulated inflammation in wound granulation tissue. Histological analysis revealed enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor expression, epithelialization and increased depth of wound granulation tissue. The RS-coated CS/PEO nanofibrous scaffold accelerates wound healing and may be useful as a dressing for cell transfer and clinical skin regeneration.

Modified and alternative bone cements can improve the induced membrane: Critical size bone defect model in rat femur

BackgroundAs a two-stage surgical procedure, Masquelet's technique has been used to care for critical-size bone defects (CSD). We aimed to determine the effects of modified and altered bone cement with biological or chemical enriching agents on the progression of Masquelet's induced membrane (IM) applied to a rat femur CSD model, and to compare the histopathological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical findings of these cements to enhance IM capacity. MethodsThirty-five male rats were included in five groups: plain polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), estrogen-impregnated PMMA (E+PMMA), bone chip added PMMA (BC+PMMA), hydroxyapatite-coated PMMA (HA) and calcium phosphate cement (CPC). The levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OC), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed in intracardiac blood samples collected at the end of 4 weeks of the right femur CSD intervention. All IMs collected were fixed and prepared for histopathological scoring. The tissue levels of rat-specific Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) were analyzed immunohistochemically. ResultsSerum levels of BALP and OC were significantly higher in E+PMMA and BC+PMMA groups than those of other groups (P = 0.0061 and 0.0019, respectively). In contrast, TNF-α levels of all groups with alternative bone cement significantly decreased compared to bare PMMA (P = 0.0116). Histopathological scores of E+PMMA, BC+PMMA, and CPC groups were 6.86 ± 1.57, 4.71 ± 0.76, and 6.57 ± 1.51, respectively, which were considerably higher than those of PMMA and HA groups (3.14 ± 0.70 and 1.86 ± 0.69, respectively) (P < 0.0001). Significant increases in TGF-β and VEGF expressions were observed in E+PMMA and CPC groups (P = 0.0001 and <0.0001, respectively) whereas Runx2 expression significantly increased only in the HA group compared to other groups (P < 0.0001). ConclusionsThe modified PMMA with E and BC, and CPC as an alternative spacer resulted in a well-differentiated IM and increased IM progression by elevating BALP and OC levels in serum and by mediating expressions of TGF-β and VEGF at the tissue level. Estrogen-supplemented cement spacer has yielded promising findings between modified and alternative bone cement.

The Role of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor in Cardiovascular Disease: Signaling in Inflammation, Coagulation, and Angiogenesis

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the principal causes of mortality in the world. Various factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of CVD. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as a secretory cytokine is one of these factors. The LIF receptor is located on endothelial cells and plays a role in the expression of specific genes in these cells. Endothelial cells are the innermost cells of blood vessels, and defects in these cells cause endothelial dysfunction and eventually CVD. Methods: The present study is based on PubMed database information (1982–2022) using the following words: “cardiovascular disease,” “endothelial cells,” “leukemia inhibitory factor,” and “angiogenesis.” Results: LIF can cause arteriosclerotic plaques by activating inflammatory mechanisms in monocytes through the induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. LIF can also induce vascular endothelial growth factor expression by activating signaling pathways, eventually leading to angiogenesis. Additionally, it can activate the coagulation cascade by factor VII production promotion within endothelial cells. Conclusion Understanding the interplay between LIF and the inflammation pathways, coagulation, and angiogenesis as key factors in CVD occurrence raises the possibility of targeting this factor as a potential strategy to mitigate CVD risk.

Adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes attenuated hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats via inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic morbidity in extremely preterm infants. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) therapies have shown prospects in animal models of BPD. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (AMSC-Exos) on BPD and the role of theNF-κB signaling pathway in this process. The AMSCswere extracted and AMSC-Exos were isolated by ultracentrifugation method. Newborn rats were exposed to hyperoxia (90% O2) continuously for 7 days to establish a BPD model. The rats were treated with AMSC-Exos by intratracheal administration on postnatal day 4 (P4). Pulmonary morphology, pulmonary vasculature, inflammatory factors, and NF-κB were assessed. Hyperoxia-induced primary type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECIIs) and AMSC-Exos treatment with or without a pan-NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC) were established to explore the potential mechanism. Hyperoxia-exposed rats showed alveolar simplification with decreased radial alveolar countand increased mean linear intercept,low CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factorexpression, reduced microvessel density, increased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and decreased the expression of IL-10, and induced NF-κB phosphorylation. AMSC-Exos protected the neonatal lung from the hyperoxia-induced arrest of alveolar and vascular development, alleviated inflammation, and inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation. Hyperoxia decreased viability, increased apoptosis, enhanced inflammation, and induced NF-κB phosphorylation of AECIIs but improved by AMSC-Exos, PDTC, or AMSC-Exos+PDTC. The effect of AMSC-Exos+PDTC in AECIIs was the same as AMSC-Exos, but more notable than PDTC alone. AMSC-Exos attenuated the hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway partly.

Peroxiredoxin 2 as a potential prognostic biomarker associated with angiogenesis in cervical squamous cell cancer.

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a ubiquitously expressed family of antioxidant enzymes that either facilitate or inhibit tumorigenesis, depending on the cancer type and Prx isoform. Prx2 is a typical Prx that has a dual role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, the expression of Prx2 and its precise role in cervical cancer remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the expression of Prx2 and its association with the progression and prognosis of cervical squamous cell cancer (CSCC). In the present study, the clinicopathological data of 105 patients diagnosed with CSCC were collected from the medical record system at Jingzhou Central Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Jingzhou, China). Prx2 protein was also detected in 105 CSCC tissues and 40 adjacent peri-tumoral tissues by immunohistochemical staining. The relationships between Prx2 expression and clinicopathological features, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) expression and micro-vessel density (MVD) in CSCC were then analyzed. Progression-free survival (PFS) was also assessed using both univariate and multivariate analyses. The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression of Prx2 was upregulated in CSCC tissues compared with the adjacent peri-tumoral tissues (P<0.001). In addition, higher Prx2 expression was associated with greater depth of stromal invasion (P=0.023) and positive lymph vascular space invasion (P=0.044), while the Prx2 expression level was not associated with age, tumor size, histological grade, lymph node (LN) metastasis or International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (all P>0.05). Furthermore, increased Prx2 expression was associated with high MVD (P=0.016), while expression of VEGF-A was not associated with Prx2 expression (P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with high Prx2 expression (log-rank test, P=0.039), high MVD (log-rank test, P=0.015), a higher FIGO stage (log-rank test, P=0.021) and LN metastasis (log-rank test, P=0.022) had a shorter PFS time than patients with low Prx2 expression, low MVD, a lower FIGO stage and without LN metastasis, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that expression of Prx2 [hazard ratio (HR), 2.551; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.056-6.162; P=0.037], MVD (HR, 2.436; CI, 1.034-5.735; P=0.042) and FIGO stage (HR, 1.543; CI, 1.027-2.319; P=0.037) were independent factors for PFS time. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that Prx2 could act as a potential biomarker for predicting CSCC progression and prognosis and could be a novel target for antiangiogenic therapy of CSCC.

Spermidine Exerts Protective Effects in Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats: Possible Involvement of Inflammatory Cytokines, Nitric Oxide, and VEGF.

Distal necrosis and inflammation are two of the most common health consequences of random-pattern skin flaps survival (SFS). Anti-inflammatory effects of spermidine have been identified in various studies. On the other hand, considering the involvement of the nitric oxide molecule in the spermidine mode of action and also its role in skin tissue function, we analyzed the possible effects of spermidine on the SFS and also, potential involvement of nitrergic pathway and inflammatory cytokine in these phenomena. Each rat was pretreated with either a vehicle (control) or various doses of spermidine (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 30 mg/kg) and then was executed a random-pattern skin flap paradigm. Also, spermidine at the dose of 5 mg/kg was selected and one group rats received spermidine 20 min prior to surgery and one additional dose 1 day after operation. Then, 7 days after operations, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and nitrite levels were inquired in the tissue samples by ELIZA kit. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was assessed by DAPI staining and fluorescent microscopes. The concentrations of three polyamines, including spermidine, spermine, and cadaverine, were analyzed using HPLC. Pretreatment with spermidine 5 mg/kg improved SFS considerably in microscopic skin H&E staining analysis and decreased the percentage of necrotic area. Moreover, spermidine exerted promising anti-inflammatory effects via the modulation of nitric oxide and reducing inflammatory cytokines. Spermidine could improve skin flaps survival, probably through the nitrergic system and inflammation pathways. This preclinical study provides level III evidence for the potential therapeutic effects of spermidine on SFS in rats, based on the analysis of animal models. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in clinical settings. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Correlation of High-Grade Osteosarcoma Response to Chemotherapy with Enhanced Tissue Immunological Response: Analysis of CD95R, IFN-γ, Catalase, Hsp70, and VEGF

High-grade osteosarcoma, a primary malignant bone tumour, is experiencing a global increase in reported incidence with varied prevalence. Despite advances in management, which include surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy often an unsatisfactory outcome is found due to poor or heterogeneous response to chemotherapy. Our study delved into chemotherapy responses in osteosarcoma patients and associated molecular expressions, focusing on CD95 receptor (CD95R), interferon (IFN)-γ, catalase, heat-shock protein (Hsp)70, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Employing immunohistochemistry and Huvos grading of post-chemo specimens, we analysed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) osteosarcoma tissue of resected post-chemotherapy specimens from Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia (DSGAH), spanning from 2016 to 2020. Results revealed varied responses (poor 40.38%, moderate 48.08%, good 11.54%) and distinct patterns in CD95R, IFN-γ, catalase, Hsp70, and VEGF expression. Significant differences among response groups were observed in CD95R and IFN-γ expression in tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. The trend of diminishing CD95R expression from poor to good responses, accompanied by an increase in IFN-γ, implied a reduction in the count of viable osteosarcoma cells with the progression of Huvos grading. Catalase expression in osteosarcoma cells was consistently elevated in the poor response group, while Hsp70 expression was highest. VEGF expression in macrophages was significantly higher in the good response group. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of immune-chemotherapy interactions in osteosarcoma and identifies potential biomarkers for targeted interventions.

Detoxification and Activating Blood Circulation Decoction Promotes Reendothelialization of Damaged Blood Vessels via VEGF Signaling Pathway Activation by miRNA-126.

The occurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) poses a significant challenge for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Thus, the promotion of vascular reendothelialization is essential to inhibit endothelial proliferation. In this study, we clarified the mechanism by which Detoxification and Activating Blood Circulation Decoction (DABCD) promotes vascular reendothelialization to avoid ISR by miRNA-126-mediated modulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. A rat model of post-PCI restenosis was established by balloon injury. The injured aortic segment was collected 14 and 28 d after model establishment. Our findings indicate that on the 14th and 28th days following balloon injury, DABCD reduced intimal hyperplasia and inflammation and promoted vascular reendothelialization. Additionally, DABCD markedly increased nitric oxide (NO) expression and significantly decreased ET-1 production in rat serum. DABCD also increased the mRNA level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the protein expression of VEGF, p-Akt, and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in vascular tissue. Unexpectedly, the expression of miR-126a-5p mRNA was significantly lower in the aortic tissue of balloon-injured rats than in the aortic tissue of control rats, and higher miR-126a-5p levels were observed in the DABCD groups. The results of this study indicated that the vascular reendothelialization effect of DABCD on arterial intimal injury is associated with the inhibition of neointimal formation and the enhancement of vascular endothelial activity. More specifically, the effects of DABCD were mediated, at least in part, through miR-126-mediated VEGF signaling pathway activation.

Down regulation of C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 is associated with increased risk of breast cancer

C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6), a member of the C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein (CTRP) family, is reported to be associated with the progression of different malignancies, however, its expression levels and role in breast cancer (BC) are yet unknown. In this study, we investigated the levels of circulating CTRP6 in BC patients and evaluated its role as a potential diagnostic biomarker in BC patients. Then we investigated the effect of recombinant CTRP6 on cellular viability in MCF-7 cells along with its effects on the expression of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in addition to the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a marker of angiogenesis. Our results showed decreased expression of circulating CTRP6 in BC patients with an inverse correlation between CTRP6 and IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF levels. Besides, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the assessment of CTRP6 levels could be used to predict BC. Moreover, treatment of MCF-7 cells with recombinant CTRP6 protein reduced cellular viability and decreased IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF expression. In conclusion, these results provide new insights into the role of CTRP6 in BC pathogenesis and suggest its potential use as a novel diagnostic biomarker of BC.

Biotransformation of Cacumen platycladi Extract by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM1348 Promotes Hair Growth in Mice.

Cacumen platycladi (CP) is a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine to treat hair loss. In this study, CP fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM1348 increased the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells. In an in vivo assay, compared to nonfermented CP, postbiotics (fermented CP) and synbiotics (live bacteria with nonfermented CP) promoted hair growth in mice. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays crucial roles in the development of hair follicles, including growth cycle restart and maintenance. Both postbiotics and synbiotics upregulated β-catenin, a major factor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Postbiotics and synbiotics also increased the vascular endothelial growth factor expression and decreased the BAX/Bcl2 ratio in the dorsal skin of mice. These results suggest that fermented CP by L. plantarum CCFM1348 may promote hair growth through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, promoting the expression of growth factors and reducing apoptosis.

LncRNA XIST promotes neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy by regulating miR-101-3p/VEGFA.

This study sought to investigate the regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) XIST on the microRNA (miR)-101-3p/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) axis in neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Serum of patients with DR was extracted for the analysis of XIST, miR-101-3p, and VEGFA expression levels. High glucose (HG)-insulted HRMECs and DR model rats were treated with lentiviral vectors. MTT, transwell, and tube formation assays were performed to evaluate cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis, and ELISA was conducted to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Dual-luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull-down experiments were used to validate the relationships among XIST, miR-101-3p, and VEGFA. XIST and VEGFA were upregulated and miR-101-3p was downregulated in serum from patients with DR. XIST knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, vessel tube formation, and inflammatory responsein HG-treated HRMECs, whereas the above effects were nullified by miR-101-3p inhibition or VEGFA overexpression. miR-101-3p could bind to XIST and VEGFA. XIST promoted DR development in rats by regulating the miR-101-3p/VEGFA axis. LncRNA XIST promotes VEGFA expression by downregulating miR-101-3p, thereby stimulating angiogenesis and inflammatory response in DR.

Cytocompatibility of electrospun poly-L-lactic acid membranes for Bruch's membrane regeneration using human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Cell replacement therapy is under development for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A thin membrane resembling the Bruch's membrane is required to form a cell-on-membrane construct with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These cells have been differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. A carrier membrane is required for cell implantation, which is biocompatible for cell growth and has dimensions and physical properties resembling the Bruch's membrane. Here a nanofiber electrospun poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) membrane is tested for capacity to support cell growth and maturation. The requirements for laminin coating of the membrane are identified here. A porous electrospun nanofibrous PLLA membrane of ∼50 nm fiber diameter was developed as a prototype support for functional RPE cells grown as a monolayer. The need for laminin coating applied to the membrane following treatment with poly-L-ornithine (PLO), was identified in terms of cell growth and survival. Test membranes were compared in terms of hydrophilicity after laminin coating, mechanical properties of surface roughness and Young's modulus, porosity and ability to promote the attachment and proliferation of hESC-RPE cells in culture for up to 8 weeks. Over this time, RPE cell proliferation, morphology, and marker and gene expression, were monitored. The functional capacity of cell monolayers was identified in terms of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), phagocytosis of cells, as well as expression of the cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). PLLA polymer fibers are naturally hydrophobic, so their hydrophilicity was improved by pretreatment with PLO for subsequent coating with the bioactive protein laminin. They were then assessed for amount of laminin adsorbed, contact angle and uniformity of coating using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pretreatment with 100% PLO gave the best result over 10% PLO treatment or no treatment prior to laminin adsorption with significantly greater surface stiffness and modulus. By 6 weeks after cell plating, the coated membranes could support a mature RPE monolayer showing a dense apical microvillus structure and pigmented 3D polygonal cell morphology. After 8 weeks, PLO (100%)-Lam coated membranes exhibited the highest cell number, cell proliferation, and RPE barrier function measured as TEER. RPE cells showed the higher levels of specific surface marker and gene expression. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression was highly upregulated indicating maturation of cells. Functionality of cells was indicated by expression of VEGF and PEDF genes as well as phagocytic capacity. In conclusion, electrospun PLLA membranes coated with PLO-Lam have the physical and biological properties to support the distribution and migration of hESC-RPE cells throughout the whole structure. They represent a good membrane candidate for preparation of hESC-RPE cells as a monolayer for implantation into the subretinal space of AMD patients.

Association of 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose uptake with the expression of metabolism-related molecules in papillary thyroid cancer

Objectives18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) is a diagnostic imaging method that is based on the Warburg effect, which is the increased uptake of glucose through aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells. The diagnostic value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for thyroid cancer is controversial. However, uptake of 18F-FDG and the corresponding maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) is expected to reflect the metabolic status of cancer cells. In the present study, we sought to determine the relationship between 18F-FDG uptake and tumor metabolism- associated factors. MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective study. In the present study, SUVmax was compared with the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and glutaminase 1 (GLS1) in 41 patients with thyroid cancer. ResultsGLS1 expression was found to be moderately correlated with SUVmax (p < 0.001, r = 0.51), whereas HK2 and VEGF expression were weakly correlated (p = 0.011, r = 0.28, p = 0.008, r = 0.29, respectively) and GLUT1 did not correlate with SUVmax (p = 0.62, r = 0.06). ConclusionOur findings suggest 18F-FDG PET/CT reflects GLS1 expression in thyroid cancer and could be used to select suitable candidates for GLS1 inhibitor treatment.

High STAT4 expression correlates with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia and facilitates disease progression by upregulating VEGFA expression.

The aim of our study is to explore the mechanism of transcription-4 (STAT4) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). STAT4 level in AML bone marrow samples/cells was analyzed using bioinformatics and quantitative real-time PCR. The correlation between high STAT4 expression and the prognosis of AML patients was analyzed. The viability, apoptosis, and angiogenesis of AML cells were detected. The levels of STAT4, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) in transfected AML cells were examined. STAT4 level was upregulated in AML. STAT4 silencing decreased the viability and angiogenesis, yet increased the apoptosis of AML cells, while overexpressed STAT4 did conversely. VEGFA silencing counteracted the impacts of overexpressed STAT4 upon promoting viability and angiogenesis as well as repressing the apoptosis of AML cells. High STAT4 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of AML patients and facilitated disease progression via upregulating VEGFA expression.

Effect of a novel copper chloride gel on endometrial growth and function in healthy volunteers

Research questionDoes the application of a micro-dose of copper chloride gel increase endometrial production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) without compromising endometrial function or producing embryo toxicity? DesignAn estimate of optimal dose was made based on cell culture studies. Ten healthy participants received an initial uterine application of placebo gel, followed by copper chloride gel (37.5 μM, 75 μM, or 150 μM dose) in a later hormone replacement cycle. Endometrial biopsies (day 5.5 luteal) and pelvic ultrasound were carried out during each cycle to evaluate endometrial function and growth. Uterine fluid was assessed for residual copper levels on the day of biopsy, and copper chloride gel underwent mouse embryos assay assessment for potential embryo toxicity. ResultsThe copper gel significantly increased endometrial VEGF expression (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), and also increasing endometrial thickness by an average of 2.2 mm compared with matched control cycles. The copper gel did not adversely affect endometrial morphology or maturation (histological dating and molecular receptivity testing), and mouse embryos assay studies showed no evidence of embryo toxicity. Furthermore, uterine cavity flush samples mostly lacked copper, with only negligible amounts present in one sample. ConclusionApplying copper chloride gel to the uterine cavity upregulated endometrial VEGF and significantly increased endometrial thickness and volume. No adverse effects on the endometrium or embryos were observed. Copper chloride gels show promise for treating suboptimal endometrial thickness if the results of this study are confirmed by larger randomized controlled trials.