Abstract 129: A Biopolymer-Stabilized VEGF Chimera Reverses Angiogenic Imbalance in vitro in the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure Model of Preeclampsia

Hypertension ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar C Logue ◽  
Fakhri Mahdi ◽  
Eric M George ◽  
Gene L Bidwell
Keyword(s):  
Perfusion Pressure ◽  
Placental Transfer ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Hypertensive Disorder ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Uterine Perfusion

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder that complicates approximately 5-8% of all pregnancies in the U.S. The unknown etiology of PE develops from molecular dysfunction at the maternal-placental interface, where inflammatory, oxidative stress, and anti-angiogenic pathways are initiated. The resulting hypoxic in utero environment contributes to placental ischemia from which the anti-angiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is released. A truncated isoform, sFlt-1 consists solely of the extracellular domain of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1, and hence lacks both catalytic and regulatory activities. However, sFlt-1 retains a high affinity for VEGF and sequesters this ligand from binding with fully functional VEGF receptors, thus prevents the activation of angiogenic remodeling pathways. The rodent model of PE, reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), exhibits the sFlt-1 pathophysiology observed in human PE. In an effort to counteract excessive sFlt-1 production and restore angiogenic balance, we have constructed a VEGF chimera fused to an Elastin-like Polypeptide (ELP) carrier with increased in vivo half-life and stability which retains full VEGF signaling activity. When human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) are exposed to serum from normal pregnant or RUPP-treated rats, tube formation on extracellular matrix is inhibited 31% (± 2%) by the RUPP serum. This inhibition is reversed when ELP-VEGF, but not ELP control, is added to the culture medium ( p = 0.0007, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparison), suggesting that ELP-VEGF counteracts the anti-angiogenic factors present in RUPP serum. We also characterized the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and placental transfer of ELP-VEGF in the pregnant Sprague Dawley rat. These studies indicate that ELP-delivered VEGF has potential for counteracting the circulating anti-angiogenic factors in maternal plasma.

ANGIOGENIC IMBALANCES IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-58
Author(s):  
JIMMY ESPINOZA
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Complications ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Soluble Form ◽  
Endothelial Cell Proliferation ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Soluble Endoglin ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Endothelial cell proliferation and survival require continuous low levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The bioavailability of this angiogenic factor appears to be regulated by anti-angiogenic factors, including the soluble form of VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt-1) in the non-pregnant and pregnant states. During pregnancy a VEGF antagonist (sFlt-1) and other anti-angiogenic factors, including soluble endoglin (s-Eng), are produced by the human placenta and released into the maternal circulation; an excess of these anti-angiogenic factors can lead into angiogenic imbalances and pregnancy complications. This is important because regulation of VEGF action on angiogenic balances appears to be essential for a successful pregnancy.

Abstract 052: Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) Reduces Blood Pressure and Improves Endothelin Type B Receptor (ETBR)-Mediated Microvascular Dilation in Hypertensive Pregnant Rats

Hypertension ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Q Mazzuca ◽  
Zongli Ren ◽  
Chen Lin ◽  
Jose S Possomato-Vieira ◽  
Minglin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perfusion Pressure ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Hypertensive Disorder ◽  
Type B ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Nitrite Production ◽  
Uterine Perfusion ◽  
Mesenteric Microvessels

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder (HTN-Preg) with an imbalance between anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and angiogenic PlGF, but the vascular targets involved are unclear. We have shown downregulation of endothelial ET B R in Preg rats with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), and studies have shown increased plasma sFlt-1 in RUPP rats. We tested if raising PIGF/sFlt-1 ratio by infusing PIGF (10 μg/kg/day) in RUPP rats would improve BP and microvascular ET B R signaling, and vice versa, if lowering PIGF/sFlt-1 ratio by infusing sFlt-1 (10 μg/kg/day) in Preg rats increases BP and reduces ET B R signaling. On day 19, BP was recorded and mesenteric microvessels were isolated for measurement of diameter and [Ca 2+ ] i (fura-2 340/380 ratio). BP was in PlGF-RUPP 105±2 < RUPP 126±1 and in sFlt-Preg 125±4 > Norm-Preg 97±5 mmHg. ET-1 vasoconstriction was in PlGF-RUPP 62.6±3.0 < RUPP 83.4±5.3 and in sFlt-Preg 76.1±4.7 > Norm-Preg 52.1±3.2%. ET-1 caused parallel increases in microvascular [Ca 2+ ] i that was in PlGF-RUPP 0.87±0.02 < RUPP 0.92±0.01 and in sFlt-Preg 0.93±0.02 > Norm-Preg 0.85±0.01. Endothelium removal or microvessel treatment with ET B R antagonist BQ-788 enhanced ET-1 vasoconstriction and [Ca 2+ ] i in Norm-Preg and PlGF-RUPP, but not RUPP or sFlt-Preg. The ET B R agonists sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) and IRL-1620 caused relaxation that was in PlGF-RUPP 42.9±10.8, 38.0±11.2% > RUPP 4.7±3.4, 7.5±2.3% and in sFlt-Preg 3.1±1.0, 5.4±1.6% < Norm-Preg 29.9±7.8, 28.0±9.1%. L-NAME partially reduced ACh- and ET B R-induced relaxation in Norm-Preg, PlGF-RUPP, but not RUPP or sFlt-Preg, suggesting that PlGF improves the decreased NO-dependent and ET B R-mediated vasorelaxation in HTN-Preg. Basal, ACh-, S6c-, and IRL-1620-induced nitrate/nitrite production was enhanced in mesenteric arteries of PIGF-RUPP and Norm-Preg vs. RUPP rats. Western blots and immunohistochemistry revealed greater levels of endothelial ET B R in PlGF-RUPP and Norm-Preg vs. RUPP and sFlt-Preg. Thus improving PlGF/sFlt-1 balance reduces BP and ET-1 vasoconstriction, and enhances ET B R-mediated NO-dependent vasodilation in RUPP rats, and could be a new approach in the management of HTN-Preg.

scholarly journals Tim-3 promotes tube formation and decreases tight junction formation in vascular endothelial cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yizi Cong ◽  
Xingmiao Wang ◽  
Suxia Wang ◽  
Guangdong Qiao ◽  
Yalun Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Tight Junction ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Tumour Progression ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial

Abstract As a negative immune checkpoint molecule, T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) has been found to serve a crucial role in immune escape and tumour progression. Previous studies have reported that Tim-3 is important to endothelial cells and it has also been demonstrated to be involved in numerous types of human diseases, including melanoma, lymphoma, rickettsial infection and atherosclerosis; however, its exact mechanism of action remains largely unknown. In the present study, Tim-3 was overexpressed in vascular endothelial human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and in vitro assays were used to determine that Tim-3 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation through activating cyclin D1 (CCND1), Ras homolog gene family member A and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Additionally, Tim-3 decreased tight junction (TJ) formation and the transepithelial resistance (TER) of endothelial cells by decreasing the expression levels of TJ protein 2, Occludin and claudin 1 (CLND1). In conclusion, these findings suggested that Tim-3 may exert a positive role in angiogenesis and a negative role in TJ formation in vascular endothelial cells, which may provide novel strategies for the treatment of Tim-3-associated diseases.

Carbon monoxide inhibits sprouting angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 phosphorylation

2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (02) ◽  
pp. 329-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter W. Hewett ◽  
Takeshi Fujisawa ◽  
Samir Sissaoui ◽  
Meng Cai ◽  
Geraldine Gueron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Sprouting Angiogenesis ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

SummaryCarbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous autacoid known to positively regulate vascular tone; however, its role in angiogenesis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CO on angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 phosphorylation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured on growth factor-reduced Matrigel and treated with a CO-releasing molecule (CORM-2) or exposed to CO gas (250 ppm). Here, we report the surprising finding that exposure to CO inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced endothelial cell actin reorganisation, cell proliferation, migration and capillary-like tube formation. Similarly, CO suppressed VEGF-mediated phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 at tyrosine residue 1175 and 1214 and basic fibroblast growth factor- (FGF-2) and VEGF-mediated Akt phosphorylation. Consistent with these data, mice exposed to 250 ppm CO (1h/day for 14 days) exhibited a marked decrease in FGF-2-induced Matrigel plug angiogenesis (p<0.05). These data establish a new biological function for CO in angiogenesis and point to a potential therapeutic use for CO as an anti-angiogenic agent in tumour suppression.

scholarly journals Angiogenic factor signaling regulates centrosome duplication in endothelial cells of developing blood vessels

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (16) ◽  
pp. 3108-3117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Taylor ◽  
Kathleen R. Nevis ◽  
Hannah L. Park ◽  
Gregory C. Rogers ◽  
Stephen L. Rogers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Centrosome Duplication ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Vegf Signaling ◽  
Vessel Networks ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Cellular Dysfunction

Abstract Regulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is required for proper angiogenesis, and excess VEGF signaling results in aberrantly formed vessels that do not function properly. Tumor endothelial cells have excess centrosomes and are aneuploid, properties that probably contribute to the morphologic and functional abnormalities of tumor vessels. We hypothesized that endothelial cell centrosome number is regulated by signaling via angiogenic factors, such as VEGF. We found that endothelial cells in developing vessels exposed to elevated VEGF signaling display centrosome overduplication. Signaling from VEGF, through either MEK/ERK or AKT to cyclin E/Cdk2, is amplified in association with centrosome overduplication, and blockade of relevant pathway components rescued the centrosome overduplication defect. Endothelial cells exposed to elevated FGF also had excess centrosomes, suggesting that multiple angiogenic factors regulate centrosome number. Endothelial cells with excess centrosomes survived and formed aberrant spindles at mitosis. Developing vessels exposed to elevated VEGF signaling also exhibited increased aneuploidy of endothelial cells, which is associated with cellular dysfunction. These results provide the first link between VEGF signaling and regulation of the centrosome duplication cycle, and suggest that endothelial cell centrosome overduplication contributes to aberrant angiogenesis in developing vessel networks exposed to excess angiogenic factors.

scholarly journals VEGF is a chemoattractant for FGF-2–stimulated neural progenitors

2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (6) ◽  
pp. 1375-1384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanxiang Zhang ◽  
Laszlo Vutskits ◽  
Michael S. Pepper ◽  
Jozsef Z. Kiss
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Neural Progenitors ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Guidance Cue ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Chemotactic Effect

Mmigration of undifferentiated neural progenitors is critical for the development and repair of the nervous system. However, the mechanisms and factors that regulate migration are not well understood. Here, we show that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a major angiogenic factor, guides the directed migration of neural progenitors that do not display antigenic markers for neuron- or glia-restricted precursor cells. We demonstrate that progenitor cells express both VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1 and VEGFR2, but signaling through VEGFR2 specifically mediates the chemotactic effect of VEGF. The expression of VEGFRs and the chemotaxis of progenitors in response to VEGF require the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2. These results demonstrate that VEGF is an attractive guidance cue for the migration of undifferentiated neural progenitors and offer a mechanistic link between neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the nervous system.

scholarly journals Complement activation induces dysregulation of angiogenic factors and causes fetal rejection and growth restriction

2006 ◽  
Vol 203 (9) ◽  
pp. 2165-2175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermina Girardi ◽  
Dmitry Yarilin ◽  
Joshua M. Thurman ◽  
V. Michael Holers ◽  
Jane E. Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Complement Activation ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Triggered Release ◽  
Placental Dysfunction

Immune mechanisms have been implicated in placental dysfunction in patients with recurrent miscarriages and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but the mediators are undefined. Here we show that complement activation, particularly C5a, is a required intermediary event in the pathogenesis of placental and fetal injury in an antibody-independent mouse model of spontaneous miscarriage and IUGR, and that complement activation causes dysregulation of the angiogenic factors required for normal placental development. Pregnancies complicated by miscarriage or growth restriction were characterized by inflammatory infiltrates in placentas, functional deficiency of free vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), elevated levels of soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1, also known as sFlt-1; a potent anti-angiogenic molecule), and defective placental development. Inhibition of complement activation in vivo blocked the increase in sVEGFR-1 and rescued pregnancies. In vitro stimulation of monocytes with products of the complement cascade directly triggered release of sVEGFR-1, which sequesters VEGF. These studies provide the first evidence linking the complement system to angiogenic factor imbalance associated with placental dysfunction, and identify a new effector of immune-triggered pregnancy complications.

scholarly journals Serelaxin improves the pathophysiology of placental ischemia in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure rat model of preeclampsia

2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (6) ◽  
pp. R1158-R1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose A. Santiago-Font ◽  
Lorena M. Amaral ◽  
Jessica Faulkner ◽  
Tarek Ibrahim ◽  
Venkata Ramana Vaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Perfusion Pressure ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
Hypertensive Disorder ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Uterine Perfusion ◽  
Placental Ischemia ◽  
Nitric Oxide Bioavailability

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that has limited therapeutic options. In healthy pregnancy, relaxin plays an important vasodilatory role to maintain vascular compliance; however, currently, there is no preclinical evidence to support the use of relaxin during preeclampsia. Therefore, the goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that recombinant human relaxin-2 (Serelaxin, Novartis; RLX) could reduce mean arterial pressure (MAP) and improve uterine artery resistance index (UARI) and nitric oxide bioavailability, and/or decrease prepro-endothelin-1 (PPET-1), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and TNF-α) in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of preeclampsia. On day 14 of gestation (GD14), pregnant rats were assigned to normal pregnant (NP), RUPP, RUPP+RLX, or NP+RLX groups. Treated rats received RLX at 0.4 μg/h or RLX2 4 μg/h RLX via minipump implanted on GD14. On GD18, carotid arterial catheters were inserted, and on GD19, MAP and tissues were collected. MAP was increased in RUPP rats compared with NP but was lowered with either dose of RLX. UARI and sFlt-1 were significantly improved in both treated RUPP groups. Total circulating nitrate-nitrite improved and placental PPET-1 and TNF-α were significantly decreased with the higher dose of RLX. Renal cortex PPET-1 was reduced with both doses of RLX. In conclusion, Serelaxin improved blood pressure, sFlt-1, TNF-α, UARI, and nitric oxide bioavailability and PPET-1 in a rat model of preeclampsia, thereby suggesting a potential therapeutic role for RLX in maintaining maternal health and prolonging pregnancy in the face of placental ischemia.

scholarly journals Vasohibin-1 rescues erectile function through up-regulation of angiogenic factors in the diabetic mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kang-Moon Song ◽  
Woo Jean Kim ◽  
Min-Ji Choi ◽  
Ki-Dong Kwon ◽  
Anita Limanjaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Diabetic Mice ◽  
Erectile Tissue ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

AbstractNeovascularization of the erectile tissue emerges as a beneficial curative approach to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Here we for the first time report the unexpected role of vasohibin-1 (VASH1), mainly known as an anti-angiogenic factor, in restoring erectile function in diabetic mice. A diabetic patient has lower cavernous VASH1 expression than in the potent man. VASH1 was mainly expressed in endothelial cells. There were significant decreases in cavernous endothelial cell and pericyte contents in VASH1 knockout mice compared with those in wild-type mice, which resulted in impairments in erectile function. Intracavernous injection of VASH1 protein successfully restored erectile function in the diabetic mice (~ 90% of control values). VASH1 protein reinstated endothelial cells, pericytes, and endothelial cell–cell junction proteins and induced phosphorylation of eNOS (Ser1177) in the diabetic mice. The induction of angiogenic factors, such as angiopoietin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor, is responsible for cavernous angiogenesis and the restoration of erectile function mediated by VASH1. Altogether, these findings suggest that VASH1 is proangiogenic in diabetic penis and is a new potential target for diabetic ED.

Anti-Myeloma Effects of a Novel Synthetic Retinoid Am80 (Tamibarotene) through Inhibition of Angiogenesis.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 5126-5126
Author(s):  
Takaomi Sanda ◽  
Shinsuke Iida ◽  
Takashi Kuwano ◽  
Mayumi Ono ◽  
Ryuzo Ueda
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Myeloma Cell ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Myeloma Cells ◽  
Synthetic Retinoid ◽  
And Migration

Abstract In multiple myeloma (MM), the interaction between myeloma cells and bone marrow microenvironment has an important role in the pathogenesis of MM. We first examined the inducing effect of myeloma cells on migration of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Myeloma cell lines produced varying amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and migration of HUVECs was induced by co-culture with myeloma cells. We next examined the inhibitory effect of a novel synthetic retinoid Am80 (Tamibarotene) on both myeloma cells and HUVECs. Am80 remarkably inhibited the growth of HUVECs stimulated by VEGF and blocked migration of HUVECs by co-cultured myeloma cells. In addition, VEGF-induced formation of tube-like structures in vitro and neovascularization in mouse corneas were significantly inhibited by Am80. Am80 downregulated both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-6 receptor, and blocked VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGF receptor. Furthermore, microarray analysis suggested that Am80 has immunomodulatory effects on myeloma cells. These findings demonstrate that Am80 might be a useful therapeutic agent against MM.

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