Vascular Endothelial Growth factor-A Levels Research Articles

Associations of VEGF-A-Related Variants with Adolescent Cardiometabolic and Dietary Parameters.

Previous research has allowed the identification of variants related to the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and their association with anthropometric, lipidemic and glycemic indices. The present study examined potential relations between key VEGF-A-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), cardiometabolic parameters and dietary habits in an adolescent cohort. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using baseline data from 766 participants of the Greek TEENAGE study. Eleven VEGF-A-related SNPs were examined for associations with cardiometabolic indices through multivariate linear regressions after adjusting for confounding factors. A 9-SNP unweighted genetic risk score (uGRS) for increased VEGF-A levels was constructed to examine associations and the effect of its interactions with previously extracted dietary patterns for the cohort. Two variants (rs4416670, rs7043199) displayed significant associations (p-values < 0.005) with the logarithms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (logSBP and logDBP). The uGRS was significantly associated with higher values of the logarithm of Body Mass Index (logBMI) and logSBP (p-values < 0.05). Interactions between the uGRS and specific dietary patterns were related to higher logDBP and logGlucose (p-values < 0.01). The present analyses constitute the first-ever attempt to investigate the influence of VEGF-A-related variants on teenage cardiometabolic determinants, unveiling several associations and the modifying effect of diet.

Effect of diosgenin on mTOR/FASN/HIF-1α/VEGFA expression in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of diosgenin on mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), fatty acid synthase(FASN), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA) expression in liver tissues of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and explore the mechanism of diosgenin on lipogenesis and inflammation in NAFLD. Forty male SD rats were divided into a normal group(n=8) fed on the normal diet and an experimental group(n=32) fed on the high-fat diet(HFD) for the induction of the NAFLD model. After modeling, the rats in the experimental group were randomly divided into an HFD group, a low-dose diosgenin group(150 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), a high-dose diosgenin group(300 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a simvastatin group(4 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), with eight rats in each group. The drugs were continuously given by gavage for eight weeks. The levels of triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), alanine transaminase(ALT), and aspartate transaminase(AST) in the serum were detected by the biochemical method. The content of TG and TC in the liver was detected by the enzyme method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) in the serum. Lipid accumulation in the liver was detected by oil red O staining. Pathological changes of liver tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA in the liver of rats were detected by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the HFD group showed elevated body weight and levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, AST, IL-1β, and TNF-α(P&lt;0.01), increased lipid accumulation in the liver(P&lt;0.01), obvious liver steatosis, up-regulated mRNA expression levels of mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.01), and increased protein expression levels of p-mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the groups with drug treatment showed lowered body weight and levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, AST, IL-1β, and TNF-α(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01), reduced lipid accumulation in the liver(P&lt;0.01), improved liver steatosis, decreased mRNA expression levels of mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01), and declining protein expression levels of p-mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.01). The therapeutic effect of the high-dose diosgenin group was superior to that of the low-dose diosgenin group and the simvastatin group. Diosgenin may reduce liver lipid synthesis and inflammation and potentiate by down-regulating the mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA expression, playing an active role in preventing and treating NAFLD.

Characteristics of Blood Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) and Its Receptors in Men with Malignant Brain Gliomas with Different Responses to Combination Therapy

Relevance: Glial tumors (GTs) amount for about 60 % of all primary CNS tumors. GTs highly express VEGF. Standard approaches to GT treatment do not involve modification of the radiation therapy plan. Adaptive stereotactic radiotherapy (ASRT) allows such correction. The combination of ASRT with bevacizumab (B) or dexamethasone (D) improves the outcomes of patients with GTs, but the effectiveness of therapy varies from patient to patient. B and D are known to have different effects on malignant glioma cells and components of the VEGF system.Purpose: To reveal specific levels of the VEGF system components in the blood of men with cerebral GTs with different effectiveness of combination ASRT.Material and methods. One month after radical surgery, men with GTs received ASRT with standard fractionation on the Novalis Tx linear accelerator (Varian): single fraction dose = 2 Gy, total dose = 60 Gy, 30 fractions, using a three-layer stereotaxic mask. ASRT was combined with B (i/v, 5 mg/kg, once every 2 weeks), n = 30, and with D (i/m, 4 mg, twice a day during 45 days), n = 30. Blood levels of VEGFA, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 were measured by IFA before and after ASRT.Results: Before treatment (ASRT+D), levels of VEGFA were 1.5 times (р &lt; 0.01) higher, and sVEGFR1 was 3.1 times lower in patients with future progression, compared with patients with other responses to treatment; in partial response, sVEGFR was 1.8 times (р &lt; 0.01) higher than in stabilization. After treatment (ASRT+D), sVEGFR1 levels reduced by 1.4 times (р &lt; 0.001) in stabilization and by 2.2 times in partial response, together with VEGFA increase by 3.0 times in stabilization only; in progression, sVEGFR1 increased by 2.3 times. Before treatment (ASRT+B), levels of VEGFA in patients with partial and complete responses were on average 1.4 times (р &lt; 0.01) lower than in stabilization; sVEGFR1 in partial response was 4.4 times lower than in stabilization and 2.2 times lower than in complete response; sVEGFR2 in complete response was 1.3 times (р &lt; 0.02) lower than in partial response. After treatment (ASRT+B), VEGFA levels elevated: in complete and partial responses on average by 14.8 times, in stabilization by 9.7 times.Conclusions: In men with cerebral GTs, blood levels of the VEGF system components before treatment differed in patients with different future responses to combination ASRT with B or D, which allows prediction of the effectiveness of such therapy even before it is started. This connection is especially obvious for combination ASRT with B.

No association of a Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene polymorphism with pre-eclampsia among pregnant women in Uganda

BackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a major angiogenic factor that plays an important role in the formation of blood vessels during embryonic development. VEGFA has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia (PE), since pre-eclamptic women present with reduced levels of free circulating VEGFA. The 3’ untranslated region (3’-UTR) of the VEGFA gene consists of elements that regulate the transcription and hence expression of the VEGFA protein in circulation. Hence it is suggested that variations thereof could underlie the reduced VEGFA levels observed in pre-eclamptic women. The purpose of this study was to investigate presence of the + 936C/T polymorphism, a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3’-UTR of the VEGFA gene, and determine its association with PE among pregnant women in Uganda.ResultsThere was no significant difference observed in the allele and genotype frequencies of the + 936C/T 3’ UTR-VEGFA polymorphism between pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women (P > 0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the median plasma levels of free VEGFA among women with the wild type, CT and TT genotypes of the + 936C/T VEGFA polymorphism (median = 0.84 pg/mL (IQR = 0.39–1.41) Vs 1.05 (0.61–1.18) Vs 1.05 (1.05–1.05) respectively, p-value = 0.7161).ConclusionsThese study findings indicate that the + 936C/T 3’ UTR-VEGFA polymorphism had no significant association with increased susceptibility to PE among women in Uganda. Further studies with a larger sample size are recommended.

NAT10 promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells by regulating VEGFA-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through ac4C modification.

Periodontal tissue regeneration engineering based on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) provides a broad prospect for the treatment of periodontal disease. N-Acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10)-catalyzed non-histone acetylation is widely involved in physiological or pathophysiological processes. However, its function in hPDLSCs is still missing. hPDLSCs were isolated, purified, and cultured from extracted teeth. Surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. Osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation potential was detected by alizarin red staining (ARS), oil red O staining, and Alcian blue staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assessed by ALP assay. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to detect the expression of key molecules, such as NAT10, Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), PI3K/AKT pathway, as well as bone markers (RUNX2, OCN, OPN). RNA-Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation PCR (RIP-PCR) was used to detect the N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) mRNA level. Genes related to VEGFA were identified by bioinformatics analysis. NAT10 was highly expressed in the osteogenic differentiation process with enhanced ALP activity and osteogenic capability, and elevated expression of osteogenesis-related markers. The ac4C level and expression of VEGFA were obviously regulated by NAT10 and overexpression of VEGFA also had similar effects to NAT10. The phosphorylation level of PI3K and AKT was also elevated by overexpression of VEGFA. VEGFA could reverse the effects of NAT10 in hPDLSCs. NAT10 enhances the osteogenic development of hPDLSCs via regulation of the VEGFA-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by ac4C alteration.

The stereological, immunohistological, and gene expression studies in an infected ischemic wound in diabetic rats treated by human adipose-derived stem cells and photobiomodulation.

We investigated the impacts of photobiomodulation (PBM) and human allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (ha-ADS) together and or alone applications on the stereological parameters, immunohistochemical characterizing of M1 and M2 macrophages, and mRNA levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) on inflammation (day 4) and proliferation phases (day 8) of repairing tissues in an infected delayed healing and ischemic wound model (IDHIWM) in type 1 diabetic (DM1) rats. DM1 was created in 48 rats and an IDHIWM was made in all of them, and they were distributed into 4 groups. Group1 = control rats with no treatment. Group2 = rats received (10 × 100000ha-ADS). Group3 = rats exposed to PBM (890nm, 80Hz, 3.46J/cm2). Group4 = rats received both PBM and ha-ADS. On day 8, there were significantly higher neutrophils in the control group than in other groups (p < 0.01). There were substantially higher macrophages in the PBM + ha-ADS group than in other groups on days 4 and 8 (p < 0.001). Granulation tissue volume, on both days 4 and 8, was meaningfully greater in all treatment groups than in the control group (all, p = 0.000). Results of M1 and M2 macrophage counts of repairing tissue in the entiretreatmentgroups were considered preferable to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding stereological and macrophage phenotyping, the results of the PBM + ha-ADS group were better than the ha-ADS and PBM groups. Results of the tested gene expression of repairing tissue on inflammation and proliferation steps in PBM and PBM + ha-ADS groups were meaningfully better than the control and ha-ADS groups (p < 0.05). We showed that PBM, ha-ADS, and PBM plus ha-ADS, hastened the proliferation step of healing in an IDHIWM in rats with DM1 by regulation of the inflammatory reaction, macrophage phenotyping, and augmented granulation tissue formation. In addition PBM and PBM plus ha-ADS protocols hastened and increased mRNA levels of HIF-1α, bFGF, SDF-1α, and VEGF-A. Totally, in terms of stereological and immuno-histological tests, and also gene expression HIF-1α and VEGF-A, the results of PBM + ha-ADS were superior (additive) to PBM, and ha-ADS alone treatments.

Enterococcus faecalis promotes the progression of colorectal cancer via its metabolite: biliverdin

BackgroundEnterococcus faecalis (Efa) has been shown to be a “driver bacteria” in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to explore the effect of specific metabolites of Efa on CRC.MethodsThe pro-tumor effects of Efa were assessed in colonic epithelial cells. The tumor-stimulating molecule produced by Efa was identified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The proliferative effect of metabolites on CRC cells in vitro was assayed as well. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tubular formation assay of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and cell migration assay were applied to study angiogenesis. Additionally, western blot analysis was used to investigate key regulatory proteins involved in the angiogenesis pathway. Tumor growth was assessed using mouse models with two CRC cells and human colon cancer organoid.ResultsCo-incubation with the conditioned medium of Efa increased the proliferation of cultured CRC cells. Biliverdin (BV) was determined as the key metabolite produced by Efa using LC-MS screening. BV promoted colony formation and cell proliferation and inhibited cell cycle arrest of cultured CRC cells. BV significantly increased the expression level of IL-8 and VEGFA by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, leading to the acceleration of angiogenesis in CRC. The up-regulation of proliferation and angiogenesis by BV were also confirmed in mice.ConclusionIn conclusion, BV, as the tumor-stimulating metabolite of Efa, generates proliferative and angiogenic effects on CRC, which is mainly mediated by the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR.

Assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor a serum level in pediatric hemophilic arthropathy

BackgroundChildren with hemophilia have serious, recurrent joint bleeding that causes disabilities. Regular factor VIII concentrate replacements have not yet completely stopped intra-articular subclinical hemorrhages and permanent joint damage. The prevention of joint damage requires the early detection and management of this hemorrhage. Neoangiogenesis is crucial in the development of synovitis after recurrent hemophilic joint bleeding. This study assessed the level of serum Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) as a vascular biomarker in children with hemophilia A to determine its possible role as a diagnostic biomarker for hemophilic arthropathy.ResultA case–control study with 30 male children who had hemophilia A and 30 healthy controls was conducted. Patients had significantly higher serum VEGF-A levels than the control group (specificity was 70.0% and sensitivity was 83.3%). Hemophilia severity and Hemophilia Joint Health Score had a significant positive correlation with VEGF-A.ConclusionChildren with hemophilia A had significantly higher levels of VEGF-A in their serum. Additionally, VEGF-A had a significant positive correlation with Hemophilia Joint Health Score as well as the severity of the disease. In children with hemophilia A, VEGF-A can be used as a marker for early hemophilic arthropathy detection.

CircRNA_06354 might promote early-onset preeclampsia in humans via hsa-miR-92a-3p/vascular endothelial growth factor-A.

Early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) is a serious pregnancy disorder with multisystem complications. Recently, circRNA was reported to participate in the progression of EOPE. However, the role and mechanism of circRNA_06354 in the pathophysiological development of EOPE remain unclear. Blood samples from patients with EOPE and healthy pregnant controls (CTRL) were analyzed by RNA-seq. functions and mechanisms of circRNA_06354 in EOPE were investigated by a series of experiments. An EOPE rat model was constructed to detect the expression levels of circRNA_06354. The level of circRNA_06354 was altered in EOPE and CTRL individuals, as well as EOPE and CTRL rats. CircRNA_06354 had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 100% in predicting EOPE. Subcellular localization indicated that circRNA_06354 was primarily detected in the cytoplasm of HTR8-/SV-neo cells and the cytotrophoblast of EOPE placentas. In addition, circRNA_06354 transcription was markedly higher than that of its linear counterpart. RNA pull-down assays implied that hsa-miR-92a-3p might sponge circRNA_06354. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels were found to be increased in EOPE patients. Moreover, overexpression of circRNA_06354 suppressed the migration, invasion and tube formation of trophoblastic cells invading spiral arteries or the endometrium. CircRNA_06354 inhibits trophoblastic cell invasion, migration and tube formation toward the endometrium in the initiation of EOPE. The circRNA_06354/hsa-miR-92a-3p/VEGF-A axis might be a therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of EOPE.

PREDICTION OF THE RISKS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMORBIDITY OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND OBESITY IN THE BACKGROUND OF MILITARY ACTIONS.

The aim: Study of prognostic possibilities of batokine complexes (fibroblast growth factor (FGF-21) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)) in determining the risks of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and obesity (especially in case of their comorbidity). Materials and methods: 105 patients aged 25-85 were examined: 70 (main group) -with CHD on the background of obesity and 35 - with isolated CHD (comparison group). Results: Probable associations with increased risks of comorbidity of CHD and obesity were: increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR = 0.844 [95.0% CI 0.735-0.970], p = 0.017), FGF-21 (OR = 1.701 [95.0 % CI 1.219-2.375], p = 0.002), VEGF-A (OR = 1.725 [95.0% CI 1.213-2.372], p = 0.005), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (OR = 4.419 [95.0% CI 1.351-14.469], p = 0.014). Probable associations were also established for lesions of the left anterior descending artery (LADA) (OR = 1.117 [95.0% CI 0.987-1.263], p = 0.078), intermediate branch of the left coronary artery (IBLCA) (OR = 1.336 [95.0% CI 1.099-1.624], p = 0.004). Conclusions: The values of the characteristics of batokine metabolism (FGF-21 and VEGF-A levels) can be used as a significant predictor of the development of obesity in CHD. Increased levels of FGF-21 and VEGF-A in blood serum characterize a significant relationship with the development of such comorbidity, which indicates a significant influence of batokine complexes on the pathogenesis of comorbidity of CHD and obesity.

Investigating the Clinical Value of Novel Kidney Injury Inflammatory Biomarkers in Snakebite Victims.

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in snakebite patients, its value in patient prognosis and the correlation of VEGF-A with renal function were analysed. A total of 124 snakebite patients admitted from January 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analysed and included in the observation group, and 40 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in the same hospital within the same period were included in the control group. The t-test was used in analysing differences between the serum VEGF-A levels of the observation and control groups and changes in VEGF-A and renal function indices before and after treatment in the observation group. The effects of treatment on each patient in the observation group were evaluated, and the patients were divided into improved and unimproved groups according to the post-treatment condition. The predictive value of VEGF-A and renal function indices in patients in the improved and unimproved groups and their efficacy for snakebite patients were analysed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Finally, correlation analysis was used in evaluating the correlation between VEGF-A and renal function indices. VEGF-A was significantly higher in patients in the observation group (339.66 ± 97.72 pg/mL) than in patients in the control group (52.41 ± 8.93 pg/mL; p < 0.001). VEGF-A and renal function indices in the serum of patients were significantly lower after treatment than those before treatment (p < 0.0001). According to efficacy, the patients were divided into improved group (n = 102) and unimproved group (n = 22). The pre-treatment VEGF-A levels were significantly lower in patients in the improved group (318.47 ± 90.80 pg/mL) than in patients in the unimproved group (437.88 ± 63.16 pg/mL; p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve for VEGF-A in predicting patient treatment efficacy was 0.886, and VEGF-A was positively correlated with blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and cystin C but negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.001). VEGF-A was highly expressed in snakebite patients and can be used as an observational indicator for predicting the prognosis of snakebite patients.

Improved colorectal cancer screening by adding noninvasive serum-based biomarkers

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most widely used CRC diagnostic tests either noninvasive or invasive are limited by insufficient performance or patient compliance. Profiling inflammatory mediators with carcinogenic roles could aid in CRC diagnosis. We aimed to use multiplex bead assay in evaluating the utility of serum eotaxin-1, macrophage-inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and Fas ligand (FasL) as potential biomarkers in CRC. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 87 patients. Based on colonoscopy findings, patients were divided into 35 CRC and 52 nonmalignant patients (nine with colon polyp, 24 with colitis, and 19 with normal mucosa). Multiplex assay was used for measuring the studied biomarkers. Results The median values of eotaxin-1, MIP-1β, G-CSF, and VEGF-A were significantly higher in patients with CRC compared with the nonmalignant group. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for eotaxin-1, MIP-1β, G-CSF, and VEGF-A was 0.863. The area under the ROC for occult blood in stool was only 0.597. Moreover, significantly higher levels of G-CSF and VEGF-A were found in patients with CRC than the precancerous colon polyp group. Conclusions Serum profiling of eotaxin-1, MIP-1β, G-CSF, and VEGF-A could be used as potential biomarkers in early CRC diagnosis with better discriminatory power than stool occult blood and may increase occult blood performance, thus reducing false-positives rates and unneeded colonoscopy. Multiplexing bead technology represents a promising approach for CRC screening and diagnosis.

Down-Regulation of miR-93 Negatively Correlates with Overexpression of VEGFA and MMP3 in Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Endometriosis is identified as presence of the endometrium outside the uterine cavity. Retrograde menstruation contributes to the endometrial tissue implantation and the establishment of endometriotic lesions at ectopic sites. It has been suggested that the endometriotic lesions are rich in angiogenic growth factors, while they have an essential role in survival and invasion of these cells. We investigated regulation of microRNA-93 (miR-93) and its involvement with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 expression in women with endometriosis. This was a cross-sectional study at Central Surgical Installation, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, between October 2020 and November 2021. Eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues were collected from 30 subjects with laparoscopically-confirmed endometriotic women. Normal endometrial cells of non-endometriosis women served as controls. Total RNA was isolated from all samples and a quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of miR-93, VEGFA and MMP. There was no significant difference in the expression levels of VEGFA (2.14 ± 0.50, P=0.719) and MMP3 (2.99 ± 0.42, P=0.583) between endometriotic lesions of endometriosis women and the healthy endometrium. Expression of miR-93 was significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium (16.7 fold) and ectopic endometriotic lesion (20 fold) compared to the normal endometrium (P<0.001). Furthermore, we also observed a significant correlation between miR-93, VEGFA expression in eutopic endometrium obtained from women with endometriosis (r=-0.544, P=0.029). Expression of the miR-93 was also negatively correlated with MMP3 expression in both eutopic (r=-0.412, P=0.01) and ectopic (r=-0.539, P=0.03) endometrial cells of women with endometriosis. VEGFA and MMP3 expression levels trended to be increased in both eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis women, while down-regulation of miR-93 might be involved in the alteration of VEGFA and MMP3 in endometriosis.

Real-World Outcome and Prognostic Factors Among HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Pyrotinib-Based Therapy: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

To explore the efficacy, safety, and potential factors influencing efficacy and outcome of pyrotinib-based therapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in complex clinical practice. Real-world data for HER2-positive MBC patients treated with pyrotinib-based regimens from 6 hospitals in Northern Anhui, China, from September 2018 to February 2022, were retrospectively collected, and clinicopathological features, efficacy, prognosis, and safety were analyzed. Potential influencing factors including baseline serum vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) for evaluating pyrotinib's treatment response and outcome were also explored. A total of 169 patients with HER2-positive MBC were enrolled. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and median progression-free survival (mPFS) of the overall cohort were 65.1%, 87.6%, and 12.4 months, respectively. Pyrotinib is highly beneficial as different treatment lines and appears to be a feasible strategy both in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs and alone. The mPFS values were 16.5 months, 12.4 months, and 9.3 months in the first, second, and third-or-higher lines of anti-HER2 therapy, respectively (P=0.027). The most common adverse event (AE) was diarrhea (88.2%), and patients with < grade 3 diarrhea achieved a longer mPFS than patients with ≥ grade 3 diarrhea (13.3 months vs 6.9 months, P=0.007). Among the patients with available baseline VEGF-A data, the ORR was 43.5% in patients with a high level of VEGF-A, compared to 81.5% in patients with a low level of VEGF-A (P=0.005). Moreover, patients in the VEGF-A-high group exhibited a shorter mPFS time than those in the VEGF-A-low group (7.8 months vs 19.1 months, P=0.004). Further analysis demonstrated AE of diarrhea and VEGF-A at baseline to be independent prognostic factors for PFS. Pyrotinib-based regimens showed promising efficacy, with manageable tolerance, and AE occurrence of severe diarrhea and baseline level of serum VEGF-A are helpful in predicting the treatment outcome of pyrotinib in HER2-positive MBC.

Overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and excessive vascularization in the peri-implantation endometrium of infertile women with chronic endometritis.

Chronic endometritis (CE) contributes to impaired endometrial receptivity and is closely associated with poor in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying CE are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the hypoxic microenvironment and endometrial vascularization in the peri-implantation endometrium of infertile women with CE. This retrospective study involved 15 fertile women and 77 infertile patients diagnosed with CE based on CD138+ ≥1/10 high-power fields (HPFs). The CE patients were divided into Group 1 (CD138+ 1-4/10 HPFs, 53 cases) and Group 2 (CD138+ ≥5/10 HPFs, 24 cases). The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in peri-implantation endometrium were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Spatial levels of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in various endometrial compartments was determined using immunohistochemistry and H-score analysis. Microvascular density (MVD) was determined using CD34 staining and scored using Image J. Finally, we used qRT-PCR to assess changes in the expression of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in CE patients after treatment with first-line antibiotics. Relative to Group 1 and control group, during the implantation window, protein and mRNA levels of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 were markedly high in Group 2 (P<0.05). H-score analysis showed that HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in the luminal, glandular epithelium, and stromal compartments were markedly elevated in Group 2, comparing to control group and Group 1 (P<0.05). Moreover, markedly elevated MVD levels were observed in Group 2. Notably, the above indexes did not differ significantly in the control group versus Group 1. Treatment with antibiotics significantly suppressed the endometrial HIF1α and VEGFA levels in CE-cured patients. Here, we for the first time report the upregulation of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2, as well as excessive endometrial vascularization in the peri-implantation endometrium of CE patients. Our findings offer new insights into reduced endometrial receptivity in CE-associated infertility.

Comprehensive assessment of growth factors, inflammatory mediators, and cytokines in vitreous from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

To assess alterations in growth factors, inflammatory mediators, and cytokines associated with vitreous-retinal diseases in vitreous humor from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and to identify potential new treatment targets and strategies. Control vitreous samples were collected from patients with macular hole, epiretinal membranes, or rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and PDR samples from patients with complications of PDR, who required pars plana vitrectomy. Specimens were stored at -80°C and then investigated by Luminex multi-factor assay. Parametric and nonparametric analyses of demographic characteristics and cytokine expression levels were conducted using SPSS. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between patients with and without PDR. Expression levels of growth factors [platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)], inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-8, IL-11, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and cytokines [chemokine C-X-C ligand (CXCL)10, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)] were significantly elevated in vitreous humor from patients with PDR compared with those in the control group (all P<0.05). Further, VEGFA levels were lower in patients with PDR treated with anti-VEGF injection than those who were not (P<0.05), and there was no difference between the PDR group treated with anti-VEGF and controls (P>0.05). This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential for combinational therapeutic strategies to ameliorate diabetic retinopathy progression by targeting growth factors, inflammatory factors, and cytokines, in addition to VEGFA.

Association between Common Variants in VEGFA Gene and the Susceptibility of Primary Knee Osteoarthritis.

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene polymorphisms, plasma VEGFA, and the susceptibility of knee osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 404 subjects, 202 knee OA subjects and 202 healthy volunteers, were enrolled into the study. Four distinct polymorphisms of the VEGFA gene were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism: -2578C/A (rs699947), -1154G/A (rs1570360), -634C/G (rs2010963), and +936C/T (rs3025039). Plasma VEGFA levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The most common nucleotides in both knee OA subjects and healthy controls were CC for -2578C/A, GG for -1154G/A, CG for -634C/G, and CC for +936C/T in the VEGFA gene. Genotype distribution and allele frequencies of VEGFA -2578C/A, -1154G/A, -634C/G, and +936C/T single nucleotide polymorphisms did not differ between OA patients and the controls. Plasma VEGFA levels showed no difference between OA patients and the controls. In contrast, plasma VEGFA levels of -634C/C genotype were significantly higher in OA patients than in the controls (P = 0.035). According to the -2578A/A genotype, patients with early stage OA had a higher odds ratio than those with advanced stage OA (P = 0.023). VEGFA -2578C/A (rs699947), -1154G/A (rs1570360), -634C/G (rs2010963), and +936C/T (rs3025039) polymorphisms may not be responsible for OA susceptibility in the Thai population. However, the OA patients with A/A genotype at the -2578C/A seemed to have a lower potential risk of developing severe OA than those with the C/A and C/C genotypes. These findings would help elucidate and facilitate a better understanding of the genetic fundamentals of OA.

Inhibition of angiogenetic macrophages reduces disc degeneration-associated pain.

Abnormal angiogenesis and innervation in avascular discs during lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) cause severe back pain. These pathological alterations in the degenerating discs are induced by cytokines partially produced and secreted by inflammatory cells, among which macrophages are the most frequently ones detected at the legion site. However, the role of macrophages as well as their polarization in regulation of innervation and angiogenesis in the degenerating discs is unclear. In this study, we analyzed macrophages in the degenerating discs from patients and detected a specific macrophage subtype that expresses high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Co-expression of M2 macrophage markers in this macrophage subtype suggested that they were a M2d-like subtype. High levels of VEGF-A and genes associated with angiogenesis were also detected in LDD specimens compared to control heathy discs from a public database, consistent with our finding. Moreover, the levels of VEGF-A in disc macrophages were strongly correlated to the pain score of the examined patients, but not to the Thompson classification of the degeneration level of the patients. In vitro, overexpressing VEGF-A in macrophages increased the tube formation, proliferation and migration of co-cultured endothelial cells, and increased the innervation of embryonic spinal cord explant into the co-cultured area for macrophages and skeletal myocytes. In vivo, an orthotopic injection of adeno-associated virus carrying siRNA for VEGF-A under a macrophage-specific CD68 promoter significantly reduced the number of VEGF-A-positive disc macrophages and alleviated the pain in LDD-mice. Together, these data suggest that inhibition of angiogenetic potential of macrophages may reduce disc degeneration-associated pain through suppression of angiogenesis and innervation, as a promising therapy for LDD-associated pain.

METTL3 dual regulation of the stability of LINC00662 and VEGFA RNAs promotes colorectal cancer angiogenesis

PurposeThe angiogenesis is among the primary factors that affect tumor recurrence and distant organ metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the most common chemical modifications in eukaryotic mRNA, especially at the post-transcriptional level. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) promoting angiogenesis in a variety of tumors has been reported. However, the mechanism of how METTL3 dual-regulates the stability of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and vascular-related factor RNAs to affect angiogenesis in CRC is unclear.Methods64 paired CRC and adjacent normal tissues were collected. In vitro, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), actinomycin assay, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) experiment,3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) and colony formation assay were performed. The functions were also studied in zebrafish model animals in vivo.ResultsWe found that the vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), METTL3 and LINC00662 RNAs were highly expressed in CRC, and that METTL3 was significantly positively correlated with LINC00662 and VEGFA. The protein expression levels of CD31, CD34, VEGFA, m6A and METTL3 were all significantly increased in the CRC tissues. The angiogenesis experiments both in vivo and in vitro found that METTL3 and LINC00662 promoted angiogenesis in CRC. The actinomycin assay indicated that METTL3 maintained the stability of LINC00662 and VEGFA RNAs. In addition, the MeRIP experiment confirmed that the LINC00662 and VEGFA RNAs had METTL3-enriched sites.ConclusionThese findings suggest that METTL3 and LINC00662 may both serve as diagnostic and prognostic predictive biomarkers for CRC and potential targets for anti-vascular therapy.

The association of umbilical coiling and angiogenesis markers: Impact assessment of gestational diabetes

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine the association between the postnatal umbilical coiling index (pUCI) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and its receptor (VEGFR2) in parturients with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MethodsWithin 24 h following birth, the umbilical cord and pUCI of 29 newborns with GDM and 28 neonates with non-GDM parturients were prospectively examined. Real-time PCR tests were used to determine the expression levels of the VEGFA and VEGFR2 genes, measured from the umbilical cord. The Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared tests were used to compare continuous and discrete variables with and without GDM. ResultsThe median (IQR) of maternal age was 30 (26-34) years. There were no differences in demographic features between GDM and non-GDM parturients. While there was a marginal difference in VEGFA expression levels between the GDM and non-GDM groups (P-values = 0.07), no difference was detected for VEGFR2 (P-values = 0.75). Comparing hyper- and hypocoiling cords revealed a small difference in VEGFA levels (P-values = 0.05), but no change in VEGFR2 (P-values = 0.50). Furthermore, in both GDM and non-GDM parturients, down-regulated VEGFA was the general rule among abnormal pUCIs. DiscussionThe GDM and coiling state both are associated with the amount of VEGFA expression, but neither is related to VEGFR2. Furthermore, regardless of whether the patient has GDM or not, the abnormal coiling pattern appears to be related to the VEGFA down-regulation.