Indicator Of Angiogenesis Research Articles

Acceleration of wound healing using adipose mesenchymal stem cell secretome hydrogel on partial-thickness cutaneous thermal burn wounds: An in vivo study in rats.

The intricate healing process involves distinct sequential and overlapping phases in thermal injury. To maintain the zone of stasis in Jackson's burn wound model, proper wound intervention is essential. The extent of research on the histoarchitecture of thermal wound healing and the application of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-free-based therapy is limited. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of MSC-secretome-based hydrogel for treating partial-thickness cutaneous thermal burn wounds. Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, namely the hydrogel base (10 mg), hydrogel secretome (10 mg) and Bioplacenton™ (10 mg) treatment groups. All groups were treated twice a day (morning and evening) for 7 days. Skin tissue samples from the animals were processed for histological evaluation using the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded method on days 3 and 7. This study's findings showed that secretome hydrogel expedited thermal burn wound healing, decreasing residual burn area, boosting collagen deposition and angiogenesis, guiding scar formation, and influencing the inflammation response facilitated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. The secretome hydrogel significantly improves healing outcomes in partial-thickness cutaneous thermal burn wounds. The administration of secretome hydrogel accelerates the reduction of the residual burn area and promotes fibroblast proliferation and collagen density. The repairment of histo-architecture of the damaged tissue was also observed such as the reduction of burn depth, increased angiogenesis and epidermal scar index while the decreased dermal scar index. Furthermore, the secretome hydrogel can modulate the immunocompetent cells by decreasing the polymorphonuclear and increasing the mononuclear cells. Thus, it effectively and safely substitutes for thermal injury stem cell-free therapeutic approaches. The study focuses on the microscopical evaluation of secretome hydrogel; further research to investigate at the molecular level may be useful in predicting the beneficial effect of secretome hydrogel in accelerating wound healing.

Superoxide dismutase-contained solid lipid nanoparticles: Formulation development and In-vivo evaluation for second-degree burn wound healing in rats

IntroductionSuperoxide dismutase (SOD), a natural enzyme with high antioxidant activity, reduces injury and accelerates wound healing by scavenging superoxide radicals. This enzyme plays an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress such as burn injury. The aim of this study was to load SOD into solid lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of rat burn wounds. MethodsSolid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by Solvent Emulsification Diffusion method and evaluated for particle size, enzyme activity and enzyme entrapment efficiency. Twenty-seven rats in 3 different groups were induced with deep second-degree burns and then treated with SOD-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles without enzyme, or SOD solution. After the treatment period, the wounds were evaluated macroscopically for the area of healing and microscopically for indices of re-epithelialization, granulation tissue and angiogenesis. ResultsThe optimized SOD-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles showed a particle size of 35–85 ± 2.41 nm, 78.4 ± 4.31 % entrapment efficiency and 90 % initial enzyme activity. Macroscopic examination showed that the best recovery rate belonged to the solid lipid nanoparticle group. Pathological studies also showed that angiogenesis and granulation tissue were significantly better in this group. Compared to the other two groups, SOD-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles showed a significant improvement in pathological factors, particularly angiogenesis and granulation tissue, as well as a faster reduction in the number of inflammatory cells. ConclusionBased on this study, solid lipid nanoparticles could be used as an effective delivery system for SOD in the treatment of second-degree burns.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Resistance Training on Some of the Angiogenesis Indices in Elderly Men

Background and Aim: Aging is a process in which the physiological capacity of the body decreases continuously after the age of 30. One of these major changes in body mass (sarcopenia) is caused by a reduction in blood flow due to angiogenesis disorder. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on some angiogenesis indices in elderly men. Materials and Methods: The sample of this study was 30 elderly men (average age 61.65 and average weight 68 kg) who were randomly divided into control (15) and experimental (15) groups. The experimental group received 8 weeks of aerobic exercise, which included 55-50% MHR in the 1st week, with a high 80%-75% MHR in the eighth week. Studies were performed 48 hours before vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and nitric oxide (NO) and after the last session of the 5-cc protocol of the blood from the elderly’s arms. To analyze the findings, independent and dependent T test was used for inter-group and intra-group evaluations. Statistical tests were performed using SPSS 16 software at a significance level of α=0.05. Results: Eight weeks of aerobic training significantly increased the levels of VEGF (P=0.000), NO (P=0.000), and FGF (P=0.000) in elderly men. There were no significant changes in the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that eight weeks of aerobic training increased significantly in the angiogenesis levels of the elderly. Therefore, aerobic exercise can be used as an appropriate method for increasing angiogenesis in the elderly.

Multimodal study of CHI3L1 inhibition and its effect on angiogenesis, migration, immune response and refractive index of cellular structures in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumours with a poor response to treatment and a poor prognosis for patients. One of the proteins expressed in glioblastoma tissue is CHI3L1 (YKL-40), which is upregulated and known for its angiogenesis-supporting and pro-tumour immunomodulatory effects in a variety of cancers. In this paper we present the anti-angiogenic, anti-migratory and immunomodulatory effects of the compound G721–0282, an inhibitor of CHI3L1. The inhibitor-induced changes were investigated using conventional techniques as well as the novel label-free digital holographic tomography (DHT), a quantitative phase imaging technique that allows the reconstruction of the refractive index (RI), which is used as an image contrast for 3D visualisation of living cells. DHT allowed digital staining of individual cells and intercellular structures based only on their specific RI. Quantitative spatially resolved analysis of the RI data shows that the concentration of G721–0282 leads to significant changes in the density of cells and their intracellular structures (in particular the cytoplasm and nucleus), in the volume of lipid droplets and in protein concentrations. Studies in the U-87 MG glioblastoma cell line, THP-1 monocytes differentiated into macrophages, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and in the spheroid model of glioblastoma composed of U-87 MG, HMEC-1 and macrophages suggest that inhibition of CHI3L1 may have potential in the antitumour treatment of glioblastoma. In this paper, we also propose a spheroid model for in vitro studies that mimics this type of tumour.

Patient-Derived Primary Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Mediate Resistance to Anti-Angiogenic Drug in Ovarian Cancers.

Ovarian cancers rank first in both aggressiveness and dismal prognosis among gynecological neoplasms. The poor outcome is explained by the fact that most patients present with late-stage disease and progress through the first line of treatment. Ovarian neoplasms, especially epithelial ovarian cancers, are diagnosed at advanced/metastatic stages, often with a high angiogenesis index, one of the hallmarks of ovarian cancers with rapid progression and poor outcome as resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy develops. Despite therapy, the metastatic progression of aggressive ovarian cancer is a spectacularly selective function of tumor cells aided and abetted by the immune, mesenchymal and angiogenic components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that enforces several pro-metastatic event(s) via direct and indirect interactions with stromal immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and vascular endothelial cells. Since transdifferentiation of tumor endothelium is one of the major sources of CAFs, we hypothesized that ovarian CAF plays a critical role in resisting anti-angiogenic effects via direct crosstalk with endothelium and hence plays a direct role in the development of resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs. To test the hypothesis, we set up a hybrid ex vivo model for co-culture comprising Patient-Derived ex vivo primary CAFs from ovarian tumor samples and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Patient-Derived CAFs were characterized by the mRNA and protein expression of positive (SMA, S100A4, TE-7, FAP-A, CD90/THY1), negative (EpCAM, CK 8,18, CD31, CD44, CD45), functional (PDGFRA, TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFRA) and immunological markers (PD-L1, PD-L2, PD-1) associated with CAFs by qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, and ICC. Data from our HUVEC-on-CAF ex vivo Hybrid Co-Culture (HyCC) study demonstrate the pro-angiogenic effect of Patient-Derived ovarian CAFs by virtue of their ability to resist the effect of anti-angiogenic drugs, thereby aiding the development of resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs. Ascertaining direct experimental proof of the role of CAFs in developing resistance to specific anti-angiogenic drugs will provide an opportunity to investigate new drugs for counteracting CAF resistance and "normalizing/re-educating" TME in aggressive ovarian cancers. Our data provide a unique experimental tool for the personalized testing of anti-angiogenic drugs, positively predicting the development of future resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs well before it is clinically encountered in patients.

Nanotherapy: New Approach for Impeding Hepatic Cancer Microenvironment via Targeting Multiple Molecular Pathways.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment has been recognized as a key contributor for cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The crosstalk between tumor cells, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) signaling networks mediates immunoinhibitory impact and facilitates tumor angiogenesis. The current investigation aimed at exploring the potent anti-cancer activity of the newly designed nano-based anti-cancer therapy comprising anti-VEGF drug, avastin (AV), and CCR2 antagonist (CR) to counteract HCC and tracking its mode of action in vivo. The prepared AV, CR, and AVCR nanoprototypes were characterized by nanoscale characterization techniques in our previous work. Here, they are applied for unearthing their anti-cancer properties / mechanisms in hepatic cancer-induced rats via analyzing protein levels and genetic expression of the elements incorporated in the angiogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis signalling pathways. The present results revealed a significant down-regulation in the angiogenesis, survival and metastasis indices along with up-regulation in the pro-apoptotic mediators upon treatment of hepatic cancer-bearing rats with the novel synthesized nanomaterials when compared with the untreated counterparts. We showed across HCC model that anti-VEGF in combination with CCR2 antagonism therapy leads to sensitization and enhanced tumor response over anti-VEGF or CCR2 antagonism monotherapy, particularly in its nanoscale formulation. The present approach provides new mechanistic insights into the powerful anti-hepatic cancer advantage of the novel nanoprototypes which is correlated with modulating critical signal transduction pathways implicated in tumor microenviroment such as angiogenesis, apoptosis and metastasis. This research work presents a substantial foundation for future studies focused on prohibiting cancer progression and recovery by targeting tumor microenviroment.

Effect of intravitreal ranibizumab on fibrovascular membranes in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

To assess the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) on angiogenesis and glial activity of the fibrovascular membrane (FVM) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Forty-two eyes from 42 patients with PDR requiring vitrectomy were included and divided into two groups: control group (n=16) did not receive IVR, while IVR group (n=26) underwent IVR 5d before vitrectomy. FVM specimens were collected by the same surgeon during the interventions. Histopathological morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining and cell densities in the FVM was assessed. Microvessels were outlined by immunohistochemical staining of CD31 and microvessel density (MVD) assessed as an index of FVM angiogenesis. Dual-color immunofluorescence staining, and confocal microscopy was used to detect co-localization and relative expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as markers of glial-mesenchymal transition (GMT). The GMT index (GI; ratio of relative GFAP/α-SMA expression) was used to semi-quantify the degree of GMT or glial activity of FVMs. H-E staining showed similar vascularization in both groups, with microvessels and scattered stromal cells in the matrix. Infiltrated cell densities did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). The MVD of the IVR group (130.62±15.46/mm2) was significantly lower than that of the controls (142.25±19.16/mm2, P<0.05). In both groups, all sections were strongly immunostained for GFAP and α-SMA. The Pearson's correlation coefficients (PCC) of intensity of automated pixel count of two markers indicated GFAP and α-SMA co-stained well and GMT participated in the remolding of FVMs in PDR. The mean relative GFAP expression in the IVR group was significantly lower, whereas that of α-SMA was significantly higher than in controls (P<0.05). GI in the IVR group (1.10±0.10) was significantly lower than in the controls (1.21±0.12, P<0.05). IVR can reduce angiogenesis, glial activity of FVM and promote glial-fibrotic transformation by reducing MVD and promoting GMT but does not decrease the cell density in patients with PDR.

LINC00958 Inhibits Autophagy of Bladder Cancer Cells via Sponge Adsorption of miR-625-5p to Promote Tumor Angiogenesis and Oxidative Stress.

Objective This study further explored LINC00958's role in promoting tumor angiogenesis (AG) and oxidative stress (OS) development by inhibiting BC cell autophagy through sponge adsorption of miR-625-5p. Methods BC patients and healthy controls who visited our hospital between June 2017 and February 2019 were selected as the research group (RG) and the control group (CG), respectively, with a total of 133 study subjects. Peripheral blood LINC00958 and miR-625-5p in both cohorts of participants were detected. Additionally, human bladder transitional cell carcinoma cells (T24 and J82) and human normal urothelial cells (SV-HUC-1) were purchased. Alterations in cell biological behavior were observed after transfecting miR-625-5p-mimics, miR-625-5p-inhibition, and miR-625-5p-NC sequences into these cells, respectively. Besides, ELISA was performed to quantify inflammatory factors (IFs), AG indicators, and OS indexes in cells. Subsequently, a double luciferase reporter (DLR) assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between LINC00958 and miR-625-5p. Finally, BALB/c-nu nude mice were purchased, and T24 cells transfected with silenced LINC00958 and miR-625-5p expression sequences were used to establish subcutaneous tumors to observe tumor growth and pathological changes. Results RG exhibited higher LINC00958 and lower miR-625-5p than CG. LINC00958 and miR-625-5p were strongly linked to myometrial invasion (MI), lymph node metastasis (LNM), distant metastasis (DM), and histology in BC patients, and the increase of LINC00958 and the decrease of miR-625-5p predicted an increased risk of prognostic death in such patients. After miR-625-5p inhibition, the capacity of BC cells to proliferate, invade, and migrate enhanced and the AG, inflammatory response, and OS injury increased, while the apoptosis rate and autophagy ability decreased. The DLR assay revealed inhibited LINC00958WT fluorescence activity by miR-625-5p-mimics, while the biological behavior of BC cells cotransfected with sh-LINC00958 and miR-625-5p-inhibition had no difference with the functions of sh-control and miR-625-5p-NC cotransfected cells. Finally, the nude mouse tumorigenesis experiment showed that the tumor mass, volume, and histopathological features of the sh-LINC00958 group were decreased compared with the sh-control group, while those of the miR-625-5p-inhibition group were increased versus miR-625-5p-NC. Conclusions In BC, LINC00958 is highly expressed while miR-625-5p is underexpressed. LINC00958 can inhibit cell autophagy to enhance cell activity; promote OS, inflammation, and AG; and regulate tumor immunity by targeting miR-625-5p, thus participating in the development of BC.

INDICATORS OF ANGIOGENESIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

The role of the factors of angiogenesis and hormones of pregnancy in pregnant women with hypertension has been studied inadequately and their interaction in such patients is not fully elucidated at present time. Aim. To detect peculiarities of angiogenesis factors and placental hormones in pregnant women with arterial hypertension I and II grades in comparison with results of healthy pregnant women. Materials and methods. Conducting a prospective study of 88 pregnant women, which included: analysis of clinical and anamnestic characteristics and study of the peculiarities of pregnancy in women with chronic hypertension in the first trimester of pregnancy (11-12 weeks). The open prospective controlled study involved 61 pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension (CAH) 1-2 degree, who were included in the first - the main group. The second control group included 27 healthy pregnant women with physiological pregnancies. Among the angiogenesis indices, the placental growth factor (PlGF), as a pro-angiogenic factor and placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) was determined as an anti-angiogenic factor, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was also estimated. Statistical analysis was done by using «STATISTICA® for Windows 6.0» (Stat Soft Inc., № AXXR712D833214FAN5). Results. In the first trimester of pregnancy (11-12 weeks of gestation) in women with CAH is determined by a shift in the balance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors, manifested by statistically significant (p˂0.05) increase in sFlt-1 levels (1700, 9 pg / ml) and a decrease in PlGF levels in3.7 times (9.1 pg / ml) and, accordingly, an increase in the levels of the coefficient K in 5.3 times (sFlt-1 / PlGF) (184.5). The mean values of estradiol, progesterone and chorionic gonadotropin levels in pregnant women with CAH did not differ statistically significantly from those of the control group (p˃0.05). These changes indicate the presence of angiogenesis disorders in pregnant women with chronic hypertension, starting from the first trimester of gestation. Conclusions. Pregnant women with CAH in І trimester have disturbances in balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors with prevalence of sFlt-1 and reducing of PlGF in serum plasma. Due to such disbalance in pregnant women with CAH of 1 and 2 grade changed cooperation between angiogenesis factors and hormones from direct to inverse. It may lead to development of placental insufficiency in future. That’s why treatment/prophylaxis of it should be administered to pregnant women with CAH in 1 trimester.

P2.20: Angiogenesis Promoting Effects of Human Amnion Membrane in Ischemia-Impaired Wound in a Rat Model

Background: Ischemic wounds are intractable and require revascularization for healing. However, many patients with ischemic wounds have serious comorbidity, and revascularization surgery is not necessarily applicable for those patients, resulting in amputation of the lower limbs. Therefore, it would be useful to establish wound dressing materials with revascularization effects. Human amniotic membrane (hAM) has a variety of characteristics that make it potentially useful as a wound dressing material. However, there have been few reports on the angiogenesis promoting effects of hAM in ischemia-impaired wound. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of hAM as a wound dressing material for ischemic wounds. Methods: Amniotic membranes were collected from delivered placentas with the consent of a pregnant woman who underwent a cesarean section. Fresh hAM were used within 6 hours of collection. Ischemic wounds were made at abdominal wall of male rats (SD, 9 weeks old, 300-350 g) by ligating the arteriovenous and nerve bundles of inferior abdominal wall and excising the abdomen skin with a diameter of 2.0 cm. Microvessel density (MVD) as an index of angiogenesis was measured by double staining with anti-α-SMA and anti-CD34 antibodies. The density of the number of blood vessels as well as the wound area were compared between hAM group and control group. Results: The wound area after 5 days was significantly smaller in hAM group than in control group (335 vs. 459 mm2, p = 0.0051). The mean value of MVD was significantly higher in hAM group than in control group (19.0 vs. 15.1, p = 0.0026). Histological evaluation showed no obvious rejection of the hAM in this study. Conclusion: This study showed the wound healing effect and the angiogenesis promoting effect of fresh hAM, indicating the usefulness of fresh hAM for treating non-invasively ischemic wounds. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS KAKENHI) Grant Number: 20K09138.

Irisin Attenuates Pathological Neovascularization in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mice.

PurposeAbnormal angiogenesis is a defining feature in a couple of ocular neovascular diseases. The application of anti-VEGFA therapy has achieved certain benefits in the clinic, accompanying side effects and poor responsiveness in many patients. The present study investigated the role of irisin in retinal neovascularization.MethodsWestern blot and quantitative PCR were used to determine irisin expression in the oxygen-induced retinopathy mice model. The pathological angiogenesis and inflammation index were examined after irisin administration. Primary retinal astrocytes were cultured and analyzed for VEGFA expression in vitro. Astrocyte-conditioned medium was collected for transwell assay and tube formation assay in human microvascular endothelial cells-1.ResultsIrisin was downregulated in the oxygen-induced retinopathy mice retinae. Additional irisin attenuated pathological angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis in vivo. In vitro, irisin decreased astrocyte VEGFA production, and the conditioned medium suppressed human microvascular endothelial cells-1 migration. Last, irisin inhibited hypoxia-inducible factor-2α, nuclear factor-κB, and pNF-κB (Phospho-Nuclear Factor-κB) expression.ConclusionsIrisin mitigates retinal pathological angiogenesis. Chinese

Comprehensive landscape of tumor angiogenesis via integrating RNA sequencing and three-dimensional microphysiological system.

e16058 Background: The prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients with peritoneal metastasis with malignant ascites is very poor. We developed an in vitro tumor angiogenesis platform “TumorAngioChip” to reproduce tumor angiogenesis in 45 gastric cancer patients and mapping their angiogenesis characteristics. This platform, which can predict the features of tumor angiogenesis and drug responsiveness in patient’s samples, opens up potential for a variety of combination therapies, including ramucirumab. Methods: We built a PDC library for the study based on samples of 45 GC patients receiving treatment at Samsung Medical Center. For all patient samples, whole exome and transcriptome sequencing was performed for subtype clustering. TumorAngioChip was fabricated by design prototyping through 3D printing and mass production through injection molding. Patient-derived tumor angiogenesis reconstructed on TumorAngioChip was analyzed using an algorithm for morphological image processing of 3D images obtained through confocal microscopy. Results: Of 45 GC patients, we investigated TumorAngioChip analysis and transcriptome sequencing to classify them as KDR-High (N = 24) and KDR-Low (N = 21) ( P = 4.481e-08, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). In the TumorAngioChip–patient mapping analysis, we clearly demonstrated that GC patients with high KDR level regardless to their GC TCGA subtype had high index of tumor-induced angiogenesis and cancer invasiveness measured by TumorAngioChip ( KDR-High vs. KDR-low group; mean sprouting length: 1.455 × 103 vs. 0.946 × 103, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001; vessel density: 3.470 vs. 2.637, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001; sprouts number: 219 vs. 111, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001; vessel total length: 4.931 × 104 vs. 3.919 × 104, respectively, P = 0.0011). Conclusions: This study is the first attempt to elucidate cancer angiogenesis in large-scale GC patients via a microfluidic-based in vitro system. By integrating transcriptome sequencing and TumorAngioChip-based 3D morphological image processing, we demonstrated tumor angiogenesis mapping for GC patients and further revealed the benefits of ramucirumab in individual patients. The application of TumorAngioChip shows its potential as a novel preclinical drug screening platform to identify effective angiogenesis inhibitors reflecting TME for the first time.

PEGylated Lecithin-Chitosan Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Alphα-Terpineol for In Vitro Anticancer Effects.

The aim of this study was to fabrication PEGylated lecithin-chitosan nanoparticles (PLC-NPs) as alphα-Terpineol's (αT-PLC-NPs) delivery system and examine its anti-cancer effects. αT-PLC-NPs were synthesized by self-assembling method; after characterization, entrapment efficiency of α-T was measured by HPLC procedure. MTT test was conducted for cytotoxicity evaluation. Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis were used to determine the angiogenesis properties, and qPCR, flow cytometry, and acridine orange and propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining were used to evaluate the pro-apoptotic effects of αT-PLC-NPs. Finally, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity of the αT-PLC-NPs was also evaluated. αT-PLC-NPs with a size of 220.8 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.3, zeta potential of +29.03 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 82% showed higher inhibitory effect on MCF7 cells (IC50: 750 μg/mL) compared to HFF cells (above 1000 μg/mL). Decreased angiogenesis indices and embryonic growth factors in CAM assay, decreased expression of VEGF and VEGF-R genes, and decreased cell migration showed the inhibitory effect of αT-PLC-NPs on angiogenesis. Increased expression of P53, P21, and caspase9 genes, as well as the results of AO/PI staining along with increasing the number of SubG1 phase cells in flow cytometry, confirmed the pro-apoptotic effects of αT-PLC-NPs. Also, its anti-inflammatory effects were demonstrated by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). The inhibitory power of αT-PLC-NPs in suppressing gram-positive and negative bacterial strains was demonstrated by disk diffusion (DD), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. PLC-NPs are a promising carrier for α-T transfer for preclinical studies.

Peculiarities of blood flow in the uterine arteries, factors of angiogenesis, hormonal profile and their relationships in pregnant women with hypertension

The objective: to assess and establish the relationships between Doppler blood flow indicators in the uterine arteries, angiogenesis factors and hormones of the mother-placenta-fetus system in pregnant women with arterial hypertension I-II degree.Materials and methods. A prospective study of 88 pregnant women at 11–12 weeks of gestation was carried out: 61 pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension (CH) of the I–II degree (main group) and 27 healthy pregnant women with physiological pregnancy (control group). All patients have been examined: blood flow Doppler in the left and right uterine arteries – pulsation index (PI), resistance index (IR) and systolic-diastolic ratio (SDR). Chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), progesterone (PG), estradiol (E) and angiogenesis indices (placental growth factor (PlGF) as a pro-angiogenic factor) and placental-soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) as an anti-angiogenic factor and the ratio of sFlt-1/PlGF) were determined in blood. Statistical analysis was performed using the program “STATISTICA 13”.Results. There was no statistically significant difference in SDR and IP indicators between the groups. PI values in the right uterine artery in pregnant women of the main group were significantly higher than the indicator of healthy pregnant women (1.73 (1.65; 1.8) units versus 1.33 (1.1; 1.49) units, respectively). The PI values in the left uterine artery in pregnant women with CAH also significantly differed from those in women with the physiological course of pregnancy (1.7 (1.66; 1.79) units and 1.35 (1.22; 1.51) units, respectively). A significant correlation between SDR indicators and markers of angiogenesis and hormonal profile in women of the main group has not been established. In pregnant women with CAH, an inverse relationship was observed between PI and PlGF (mean strength R=-0.34 for PI in the right uterine artery and R= -0.41 for PI in the left uterine artery), respectively, between PI and sFlt-1/PlGF – direct relationship (average strength R=+ 0.37 for PI in the right uterine artery and R=+0.43 for PI in the left uterine artery). In women with the physiological course of pregnancy and childbirth, the PI value in the right uterine artery correlated with the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (direct relationship) and PlGF level (feedback). PI in the left uterine artery had a direct relationship with the value of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. In pregnant women with CAH, the PlGF level decreases, while the PI value, on the contrary, increases.Conclusions. The significant differences between the indicators of SDS and IR in pregnant women with CAH and pregnant women without CAH have not been established. In women with CAH, significantly higher PI values were found in the right and left uterine arteries compared to those in women without CAH. The course of pregnancy in women with CAH is accompanied by a shift in the balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, as evidenced by a statistically significant increase in sFlt-1 level against the background of a decrease in PlGF level, as well as a corresponding increase in the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as compared with pregnant women without CAH. There are no correlations between indicators of SDR and IR in the uterine arteries, markers of angiogenesis and hormonal profile in pregnant women with and without CAH. Nevertheless, PI values in the right and left uterine arteries correlate with the PlGF level (feedback) and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (direct relationship) in pregnant women with CAH. This indicates the presence of disorders in this contingent of women in the I trimester of pregnancy.

Comparison of Intraocular Cytokine Levels of Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Different Retinopathies.

Purpose: To investigate and compare the aqueous concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other inflammatory cytokines in various choroidal neovascularization (CNV) diseases and types.Methods: This observational study included 127 naive eyes with CNV and 43 control eyes with cataracts. Aqueous humor (AH) samples were obtained prior to intravitreal anti-VEGF injection or cataract surgery. Multiple inflammatory cytokines, including VEGF, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) levels, were measured using a multiplex bead assay. The angiogenesis index was defined as the ratio of IP-10 to MCP-1. In addition, the relationship among AH cytokine levels, central macular thickness (CMT), and CNV size on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was evaluated.Results: Except in the myopic CNV group (P = 0.452), the AH concentration of VEGF was significantly higher in all other CNV groups than in the control group (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). IL-8, IL-10, IP-10, and MCP-1 levels (P < 0.05 for all groups) were significantly higher in all CNV diseases except those with neovascular central serous chorioretinopathy. The angiogenesis index was significantly higher in all CNV diseases (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The VEGF level may be associated with the size of the CNV on OCTA (p = 0.043).Conclusions: The level of intraocular inflammatory cytokines varied among different CNV diseases and CNV types. Therefore, the angiogenesis index may be a more sensitive indicator of angiogenesis.

Inhibition of corneal neovascularization by topical application of nintedanib in rabbit models.

To evaluate the potential efficacy and mechanisms of nintedanib in corneal neovascularization (NV) in rabbit models. Corneal NV was induced using 1 mol/L NaOH. Rabbits (n=21) were randomized to 3 groups: Group 1 were treated with 0.9% NaCl, Group 2 with Avastin (5 mg/mL), and Group 3 with nintedanib (1 mg/mL). All treatments started 1d after alkaline burns and were topically performed 3 times a day for 2wk. Photographs were taken on a slit lamp microscope on day 7 and 14. The NV area, the length of the vascularization and angiogenesis index (AI) were used to evaluate the corneal NV. On day 14, the immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of the cornea were examined. Western blot was performed to test the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Akt, p-Akt, P38, p-P38, MMP-2 and MMP-9. The corneal NV area, vessel length and AI in Group 3 were significantly lower than Group 2, with both being lower than Group 1. IHC staining showed that VEGF was significantly overexpressed in the epithelium and stroma of cornea following alkaline burns. In contrast, the level of VEGF was significantly suppressed in both Group 2 and Group 3. Western blot results further confirmed that, compared with Group 1, Group 3 had significantly reduced expressions of VEGF, Akt, p-Akt, p-P38, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in corneal tissues. Trends of lower levels of MMP-2, AKT, and p-AKT in Group 3 than Group 2 were identified. Nintedanib and Avastin can effectively inhibit corneal NV, with P38 MAPK and AKT signaling pathways being possibly involved. Nintedanib seems more effective than Avastin and has the potential to be a novel therapy for preventing corneal NV.

The role of VEGF, PDGF and IL-6 on diabetic foot ulcer after Platelet Rich Fibrin + hyaluronic therapy

BackgroundCurrent standard management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) consists of surgical debridement followed by soak NaCl 0.9% gauzes tight infection and glycaemic control. Nowadays the use of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) has emerged as an adjunctive method for treating DFUs. This study was conducted to demonstrate the ability of combine A-PRF + HA as a complementary therapy in DFUs healing related with angiogenesis,inflammation and granulation index process. MethodsThis open label randomized controlled trial was conducted in Koja District Hospital and Gatot Soebroto Hospital Jakarta, Indonesia on July 2019–April 2020. DFUs patients with wound duration of three months, Wagner-2, with size of ulcer less than 40 cm2 were included in the study. The number of subjects was calculated based on the rule of thumb and allocated randomly into three groups, namely topical A-PRF + HA, A-PRF and Sodium Chloride 0.9% as a control, for each of 10 subjects. A-PRF made by 10 mL venous blood, centrifuge 200 G in 10 min, meanwhile A-PRF + HA though mix both them with vertex machine around 5 min. Biomarker such as VEGF, PDGF and IL-6 examined from DFU taken by cotton swab and analysis using ELISA. Granulation Index was measured using ImageJ. Biomarkers and granulation index were evaluated on day 0, 3, 7 and 14. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 with Anova and Kruskal Wallis test to compare the angiogenesis and inflammation effect between the three groups. ResultIn topical dressing A-PRF + HA, there is an increase in delta VEGF on day-3 (43.1 pg/mg protein) and day-7 (275,8 pg/mg protein) compared to A-PRF on day-3 (1.8 pg/mg protein) and day-7 (104.7 pg/mg protein), also NaCl (control) on day-3 (-4.9 pg/mg protein) and day-7 (28.3 pg/mg protein). So that the delta VEGF of A-PRF + HA group increase significantly compared with others on day-3 (p = 0.003) and day- 7 (p < 0.001). Meanwhile A-PRF + AH group, there is also a decrease in delta IL-6 after therapy on day-3 (-10.9 pg/mg protein) and day-7 (-18.3 pg/mg protein) compared to A-PRF in delta IL-6 on day- 3 (-3.7 pg/mg protein) and on day-7 (-7.8 pg/mg protein). In NaCl (control) group there is a increase delta IL-6 on day-3 (4.3 pg/mg protein) and on day-7 (35.5 pg/mg protein). So that the delta IL-6 of A-PRF + HA group decrease significantly compared with others only on day- 7 (p = 0.015). In PDGF le level analysis, A-PRF + HA group increase significantly (p = 0.012) only in day -7 compare with other group (5.5 pg/mg protein). ConclusionThe study shows the superior role of combined A-PRF + HA in the treatment DFU though increase angiogenesis and decrease inflammation pathway. The advantage of using A-PRF + HA is that it accelerates wound healing by increasing granulation tissue compared to A-PRF alone.

Ефективність превентивних методів їх комбінацій у профілактиці передчасних пологів

Prediction and prevention of premature birth is a significant problem of modern obstetrics. The use of ultrasound cervicometry and the index of placental angiogenesis for the prediction of premature birth is promising. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of cerclage, pessary, intravaginal progesterone or their combinations in the prevention of premature birth. A total of 292 pregnant women were examined. They were divided into several groups according to the results of the detection of cervical length and the level of the ratio between placental growth factor (PlGF) and fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1). Group I included women with a negative screening’ resuls. Other groups included women with a «short» cervix and disturbed placental angiogenesis. In group II, women with cervical cerlage were observed. In group III — used a pessary; Group IV — vaginal progesterone; V — cobined use of cerclage and pessary; and in VI — use of cerclage and vaginal progesterone. The pregnancy was completed at term in 159 patients, and 133 women had preterm delivery. Among patients who had positive miscarriage screening results, the use of preventive measures or combinations resulted in fairly equal results. However, the use of progesterone and cervical cerclage has shown the best efficacy. Some limitations in this study were the small sample size and the lack of information on the use of anticoagulants, disaggregants and tocolytics in the examined women.

Enhanced Stromal Cell CBS-H2S Production Promotes Estrogen-Stimulated Human Endometrial Angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is a physiological process for endometrial regeneration in the menstrual cycle and remodeling during pregnancy. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), produced by cystathionine-β synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE), is a potent proangiogenic factor; yet, whether the H2S system is expressed in the endometrium and whether H2S plays a role in endometrial angiogenesis are unknown. This study was to test whether estrogens stimulate endometrial H2S biosynthesis to promote endometrial microvascular endothelial cell (EMEC) angiogenesis. CBS messenger RNA/protein and H2S production significantly differed among endometria from postmenopausal (POM), premenopausal secretory (sPRM), and proliferative (pPRM) nonpregnant (NP) and pregnant (Preg) women (P < .05) in a rank order of POM approximately equal to sPRM is less than pPRM is less than Preg, positively correlating with angiogenesis indices and endogenous estrogens and with no difference in CSE expression. CBS and CSE proteins were localized to stroma, glands, and vessels in endometrium, and greater stromal CBS protein was observed in the pPRM and Preg states. Estradiol-17β (E2) (but not progesterone) stimulated CBS (but not CSE) expression and H2S production in pPRM endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in vitro, which were attenuated by ICI 182 780. The H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide promoted in vitro EMEC angiogenesis. Co-culture with sPRM, pPRM, and Preg ESCs all stimulated EMEC migration with a rank order of sPRM less than pPRM approximately equal to Preg. CBS (but not CSE) inhibition attenuated ESC-stimulated EMEC migration. E2 did not affect EMEC migration but potentiated ESC-stimulated EMEC migration. Altogether, estrogens stimulate specific receptor-dependent stromal CBS-H2S production to promote endometrial EMEC angiogenesis in women.

CORRELATION BETWEEN NUCLEUS FACTOR KAPPA B AND MICROVESSEL DENSITY IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

Abstract Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive head and neck cancer, mostly associated with EBV infection. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is transcription factors that act as a tumor promoter, especially in inflammation-associated cancer. It also attracts angiogenesis. Microvessel Density (MVD) is widely used as an index for tumor angiogenesis. There have been no studies found about the correlation of NF-κB and MVD expression in NPC. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation of NF-κB and MVD expression that may affect targeted therapies in NPC patients Methods: A total of 30 paraffin blocks of NPC patients biopsies were assessed immunohistochemically for NF-κB expression and MVD. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's nonparametric test to assess the correlation between NF-κB expression and MVD. Results: Positive NF-κB expression was found in 22 (73.33%) patients and negative in 8 (26.67%) patients. High MVD expression in 17 (56.67%) patients and low MVD expression in 13 (43.33%) patients. There was no significant correlation found between NF-κB and MVD. Conclusion: This study has not confirmed any correlation between NF-κB and MVD. Further research needs to be done to get a better assessment on nuclear proliferation rates and tumor-related angiogenesis in NPC.