Abstract 3515: VEGF And Peroxynitrite Interplay Regulates Cerebral Angiogenic Mediators In Diabetes

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshini Prakash ◽  
Azza B El-Remessy ◽  
Somanath P Shenoy ◽  
Susan C Fagan ◽  
Adviye Ergul
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Therapeutic Angiogenesis ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteases ◽  
Diabetic Group ◽  
Growth Factor Signaling ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Angiogenic Potential

Background: Diabetes targets micro and macrovascular endothelium differently leading to vascular complications. Although there are extensive studies on retinal and coronary neovascularization, little is known about cerebral neovascularization. Growing evidence suggests that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species such as peroxynitrite can interact in growth factor signaling and mediate VEGF’s angiogenic properties. This study tests the hypothesis that diabetes stimulates cerebral angiogenesis via activation of VEGF and matrix metalloproteases (MMP) in a peroxynitrite-dependent manner. Methods: Cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC) were isolated using immunomagnetic beads from control and diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Cell proliferation, migration and tube formation assays were used as the indices of angiogenic potential. Protein expression and activity were determined using immunoblotting, slot blots and zymography techniques. Results: Angiogenic potential was pronounced in the diabetic group and significantly inhibited by peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst FeTPPS (2.5µM), MMP inhibitor minocycline (50µg/ml) and src kinase inhibitor PP2(1µM) compared to control. Diabetic endothelial conditioned media pronounced angiogenic potential in control CMEC while VEGF neutralizing antibody abrogated this response. Diabetes increased the expression of soluble VEGF A isoforms and activity of cognate receptors. Basal levels of phospho-c-src and peroxynitrite were also increased in the diabetic group. Secreted active MMP-2 and pro-MMP-2 was lower in diabetes while the cellular active MMP-2 and MT1-MMP was higher compared to control. VEGF (30ng/ML) stimulation activated its cognate receptor biophysically, dysregulated c-src activity and increased tyrosine nitration in diabetes. Peroxynitrite inhibition reduced VEGFR2, phosphor-c-src and MT1-MMP even in the presence of VEGF stimulation. Conclusion: Peroxynitrite interacts with VEGF signaling in diabetes and dysregulates c-src and MMPs. Understanding cerebral neovascularization mechanisms will not only open new paths towards developing therapeutic angiogenesis but also prevention of hemorrhagic complications of stroke. N=3-8 * p≤ 0.05, ** p≤ 0.005, *** p≤ 0.001.

scholarly journals Low-dose irradiation promotes tissue revascularization through VEGF release from mast cells and MMP-9–mediated progenitor cell mobilization

2005 ◽  
Vol 202 (6) ◽  
pp. 739-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate Heissig ◽  
Shahin Rafii ◽  
Haruyo Akiyama ◽  
Yuichi Ohki ◽  
Yayoi Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cells ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Limb Ischemia ◽  
Therapeutic Angiogenesis ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Vascular Regeneration ◽  
Dose Irradiation ◽  
Cell Mobilization ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Mast cells accumulate in tissues undergoing angiogenesis during tumor growth, wound healing, and tissue repair. Mast cells can secrete angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Ionizing irradiation has also been shown to have angiogenic potential in malignant and nonmalignant diseases. We observed that low-dose irradiation fosters mast cell–dependent vascular regeneration in a limb ischemia model. Irradiation promoted VEGF production by mast cells in a matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)–dependent manner. Irradiation, through MMP-9 up-regulated by VEGF in stromal and endothelial cells, induced the release of Kit-ligand (KitL). Irradiation-induced VEGF promoted migration of mast cells from the bone marrow to the ischemic site. Irradiation-mediated release of KitL and VEGF was impaired in MMP-9–deficient mice, resulting in a reduced number of tissue mast cells and delayed vessel formation in the ischemic limb. Irradiation-induced vasculogenesis was abrogated in mice deficient in mast cells (steel mutant, Sl/Sld mice) and in mice in which the VEGF pathway was blocked. Irradiation did not induce progenitor mobilization in Sl/Sld mice. We conclude that increased recruitment and activation of mast cells following irradiation alters the ischemic microenvironment and promotes vascular regeneration in an ischemia model. These data show a novel mechanism of neovascularization and suggest that low-dose irradiation may be used for therapeutic angiogenesis to augment vasculogenesis in ischemic tissues.

scholarly journals Silymarin Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Proangiogenic Response in Brain Endothelial Cells through a GSK-3β Inhibition-Induced Reduction of VEGF Release

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Alhusban ◽  
Enaam Alkhazaleh ◽  
Tamam El-Elimat
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Brain Endothelial Cells ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Gsk 3Β ◽  
Vegf Release

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it was found to induce a dysfunctional angiogenic response in the brain that was attributed to oxidative stress. Milk thistle seed extract (silymarin) has potent antioxidant properties, though its potential use in ameliorating diabetes-induced aberrant brain angiogenesis is unknown. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β is a regulator of angiogenesis that is upregulated by diabetes. Its involvement in diabetes-induced angiogenesis is unknown. To evaluate the potential of silymarin to ameliorate diabetes-induced aberrant angiogenesis, human brain endothelial cells (HBEC-5i) were treated with 50 μg/mL advanced glycation end (AGE) products in the presence or absence of silymarin (50, 100 μM). The angiogenic potential of HBEC-5i was evaluated in terms of migration and in vitro tube formation capacities. The involvement of GSK-3β was also evaluated. AGE significantly increased the migration and tube formation rates of HBEC-5i by about onefold (p=0.0001). Silymarin reduced AGE-induced migration in a dose-dependent manner where 50 μM reduced migration by about 50%, whereas the 100 μM completely inhibited AGE-induced migration. Similarly, silymarin 50 μg/mL blunted AGE-induced tube formation (p=0.001). This effect was mediated through a GSK-3β-dependent inhibition of VEGF release. In conclusion, silymarin inhibits AGE-induced aberrant angiogenesis in a GSK-3β-mediated inhibition of VEGF release.

scholarly journals 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid–induced angiogenesis requires Src-mediated Egr-1–dependent rapid induction of FGF-2 expression

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 115 (10) ◽  
pp. 2105-2116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatesh Kundumani-Sridharan ◽  
Jixiao Niu ◽  
Dong Wang ◽  
Dong Van Quyen ◽  
Qiuhua Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Dominant Negative Mutant ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid ◽  
Matrigel Plug ◽  
Rapid Induction ◽  
Negative Mutant

Abstract To understand the mechanisms underlying 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE]–induced angiogenesis, we studied the role of Egr-1. 15(S)-HETE induced Egr-1 expression in a time-dependent manner in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs). Blockade of Egr-1 via forced expression of its dominant-negative mutant attenuated 15(S)-HETE–induced HDMVEC migration and tube formation as well as Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 15(S)-HETE–induced Egr-1 expression requires Src activation. In addition, adenovirus-mediated expression of dominant-negative mutant of Src blocked 15(S)-HETE's effects on migration and tube formation of HDMVECs and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 15(S)-HETE induced fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) expression rapidly via Src-mediated production of Egr-1. Cloning and mutational analysis of FGF-2 promoter revealed that Egr-1 binding site proximal to transcription start site is required for 15(S)-HETE–induced FGF-2 expression. Neutralizing antibody-mediated suppression of FGF-2 function also attenuated the effects of 15(S)-HETE on HDMVEC migration and tube formation as well as Matrigel plug angiogenesis. Furthermore, in contrast to wild-type mice, 12/15-LOX−/− mice exhibited decreased Matrigel plug angiogenesis in response to AA, which was rescued by 15(S)-HETE. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that 15(S)-HETE–induced angiogenesis requires Src-mediated Egr-1–dependent rapid induction of FGF-2. These findings may suggest that 15(S)-HETE could be a potential endogenous regulator of pathologic angiogenesis associated with atherosclerosis and restenosis.

β-Carotene interference with UVA-induced gene expression by multiple pathways

2006 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 1539-1550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Wertz ◽  
Nicole Seifert ◽  
Petra Buchwald Hunziker ◽  
Georges Riss ◽  
Adrian Wyss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteases ◽  
Growth Factor Signaling ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Retinoid Receptor ◽  
Uva Irradiation ◽  
Skin Photoaging ◽  
Β Carotene

UVA exposure causes skin photoaging by singlet oxygen (1O2)-mediated induction of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). We assessed whether β-carotene, a carotenoid known as 1O2 quencher and retinoic acid (RA) precursor, interferes with UVA-induced gene regulation and prevents UVA-induced gene regulation in HaCaT human keratinocytes. HaCaT cells accumulated β-carotene in a time- and dose-dependent manner. UVA irradiation massively reduced the cellular β-carotene contents. β-Carotene suppressed UVA induction of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-10 - three major MMPs involved in photoaging. HaCaT cells produced weak retinoid activity from β-carotene, as demonstrated by mild up-regulation of retinoid receptor RARβ and activation of an RARE-dependent reporter gene. Of the 568 UVA-regulated genes, β-carotene reduced the UVA effect for 143, enhanced it for 180, and did not interact with UVA for 245 genes. The pathways regulated β-carotene in interaction with UVA were characterized by genes involved in growth factor signaling, stress response, apoptosis, cell cycle, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, tanning, and inflammation. In conclusion, β-carotene at physiological concentrations interacted with UVA effects by multiple mechanisms that included, but were not restricted to, 1O2 quenching. With our results, we provide a mechanistic basis for the long-known and clinically established photoprotective effects of β-carotene in human skin.

scholarly journals m7G Methyltransferase METTL1 Promotes Post-ischemic Angiogenesis via Promoting VEGFA mRNA Translation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongchao Zhao ◽  
Lingqiu Kong ◽  
Zhiqiang Pei ◽  
Fuhai Li ◽  
Chaofu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Therapeutic Angiogenesis ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Global Increase ◽  
Plasmid Transfection ◽  
Peripheral Arterial

Post-transcriptional modifications play pivotal roles in various pathological processes and ischemic disorders. However, the role of N7-methylguanosine (m7G), particularly m7G in mRNA, on post-ischemic angiogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we identified that methyltransferase like 1 (METTL1) was a critical candidate responsible for a global decrease of m7G within mRNA from the ischemic tissues. The in vivo gene transfer of METTL1 improved blood flow recovery and increased angiogenesis with enhanced mRNA m7G upon post-ischemic injury. Increased METTL1 expression using plasmid transfection in vitro promoted HUVECs proliferation, migration, and tube formation with a global increase of m7G in mRNA. Mechanistically, METTL1 promoted VEGFA mRNA translation in an m7G methylation-dependent manner. Our findings emphasize a critical link between mRNA m7G and ischemia and provide a novel insight of targeting METTL1 in the therapeutic angiogenesis for ischemic disorders, including peripheral arterial disease.

scholarly journals The cancer angiogenesis co-culture assay: In vitro quantification of the angiogenic potential of tumoroids

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0253258
Author(s):  
Sarah Line Bring Truelsen ◽  
Nabi Mousavi ◽  
Haoche Wei ◽  
Lucy Harvey ◽  
Rikke Stausholm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Colorectal Tumour ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Dose Dependent

The treatment response to anti-angiogenic agents varies among cancer patients and predictive biomarkers are needed to identify patients with resistant cancer or guide the choice of anti-angiogenic treatment. We present “the Cancer Angiogenesis Co-Culture (CACC) assay”, an in vitro Functional Precision Medicine assay which enables the study of tumouroid induced angiogenesis. This assay can quantify the ability of a patient-derived tumouroid to induce vascularization by measuring the induction of tube formation in a co-culture of vascular cells and tumoroids established from the primary colorectal tumour or a metastasis. Furthermore, the assay can quantify the sensitivity of patient-derived tumoroids to anti-angiogenic therapies. We observed that tube formation increased in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with the pro-angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). When investigating the angiogenic potential of tumoroids from 12 patients we found that 9 tumoroid cultures induced a significant increase in tube formation compared to controls without tumoroids. In these 9 angiogenic tumoroid cultures the tube formation could be abolished by treatment with one or more of the investigated anti-angiogenic agents. The 3 non-angiogenic tumoroid cultures secreted VEGF-A but we observed no correlation between the amount of tube formation and tumoroid-secreted VEGF-A. Our data suggests that the CACC assay recapitulates the complexity of tumour angiogenesis, and when clinically verified, could prove a valuable tool to quantify sensitivity towards different anti-angiogenic agents.

scholarly journals Role of MDA5 in regulating CXCL10 expression induced by TLR3 signaling in human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuro Saruga ◽  
Tadaatsu Imaizumi ◽  
Shogo Kawaguchi ◽  
Kazuhiko Seya ◽  
Tomoh Matsumiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Poly I:C ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid ◽  
Tlr3 Signaling ◽  
Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes

AbstractC-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) is an inflammatory chemokine and a key molecule in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) is an RNA helicase that plays a role in innate immune and inflammatory reactions. The details of the regulatory mechanisms of CXCL10 production and the precise role of MDA5 in RA synovitis have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the role of MDA5 in regulating CXCL10 expression in cultured human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RFLS). RFLS was stimulated with Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA mimetic. Expression of interferon beta (IFN-β), MDA5, and CXCL10 was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A neutralizing antibody of IFN-β and siRNA-mediated MDA5 knockdown were used to determine the role of these molecules in regulating CXCL10 expression downstream of TLR3 signaling in RFLS. Poly I:C induced IFN-β, MDA5, and CXCL10 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. IFN-β neutralizing antibody suppressed the expression of MDA5 and CXCL10, and knockdown of MDA5 decreased a part of CXCL10 expression (p < 0.001). The TLR3/IFN-β/CXCL10 axis may play a crucial role in the inflammatory responses in RA synovium, and MDA5 may be partially involved in this axis.

scholarly journals Panax notoginseng saponins promote endothelial progenitor cell angiogenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiqi Zhu ◽  
Weidong Jiang ◽  
Shixi He ◽  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Fengchun Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Panax Notoginseng ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Optimal Concentration ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Panax Notoginseng Saponins ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Craniomaxillofacial Surgery ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Background Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is an effective treatment in craniomaxillofacial surgery. However, the issue of sufficient blood supply at the regeneration tissue has limited its wide application. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that is commonly used to treat a range of angiogenic diseases. However, the mechanisms whereby PNS alters angiogenesis in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have yet to be clarified. Methods EPCs were identified by immunofluorescence, confirmed by their uptake of fluorescently labeled Dil-ac-LDL and FITC-UEA-1. EPCs were treated with different concentrations of PNS, and the effects of PNS on cell proliferation were measured on the optimal concentration of PNS determined. The effects of PNS on angiogenesis and migration, angiogenic cytokines mRNA expression and the proteins of the Wnt pathway were investigated. Then knocked down β-catenin in EPCs and treated with the optimum concentrational PNS, their angiogenic potential was evaluated in tube formation and migration assays. In addition, the expression of cytokines associated with angiogenesis and Wnt/β-catenin was then assessed via WB and RT-qPCR. Results We were able to determine the optimal concentration of PNS in the promotion of cell proliferation, tube formation, and migration to be 6.25 mg/L. PNS treatment increased the mRNA levels of VEGF, bFGF, VE-Cadherin, WNT3a, LRP5, β-catenin, and TCF4. After knocked down β-catenin expression, we found that PNS could sufficient to partially reverse the suppression of EPC angiogenesis. Conclusions Overall, 6.25 mg/L PNS can promote EPC angiogenesis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation.

scholarly journals Soluble Spike DNA Vaccine Provides Long-Term Protective Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in Mice and Nonhuman Primates

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
Yong Bok Seo ◽  
You Suk Suh ◽  
Ji In Ryu ◽  
Hwanhee Jang ◽  
Hanseul Oh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
T Cell Responses ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
Rapid Spread

The unprecedented and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) has motivated the need for a rapidly producible and scalable vaccine. Here, we developed a synthetic soluble SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) DNA-based vaccine candidate, GX-19. In mice, immunization with GX-19 elicited not only S-specific systemic and pulmonary antibody responses but also Th1-biased T cell responses in a dose-dependent manner. GX-19-vaccinated nonhuman primates seroconverted rapidly and exhibited a detectable neutralizing antibody response as well as multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Notably, when the immunized nonhuman primates were challenged at 10 weeks after the last vaccination with GX-19, they had reduced viral loads in contrast to non-vaccinated primates as a control. These findings indicate that GX-19 vaccination provides a durable protective immune response and also support further development of GX-19 as a vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2.

Alteration in angiogenic potential of granulosa-lutein cells and follicular fluid contributes to luteal defects in polycystic ovary syndrome

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krutika Patil ◽  
Indira Hinduja ◽  
Srabani Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Transcript Levels ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Angiogenic Genes ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is angiogenic potential of follicular fluid (FF) and granulosa-lutein cells (GLCs) altered in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and does it play a role in corpus luteum (CL) defect observed in them? SUMMARY ANSWER FF and GLCs of women with PCOS show reduced expression of pro-angiogenic factors compared to controls and exhibit a diminished capacity to induce angiogenesis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In women with PCOS, CL insufficiency and frequent miscarriage are reported, which may be due to defect in CL. The development of new blood vessels is essential to promote ovarian folliculogenesis and functional CL formation. The vasculature formation in CL which is important for its function is still unexplored in these women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This case-control study was conducted in 30 healthy control women and 30 women with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF. The FF, GLCs and serum were collected from all participants during ovum pick up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The capacity of FF to induce angiogenesis was assessed by measuring levels of pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its tube formation and wound healing potential using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We investigated the angiogenic potential and endothelial cell-like nature of GLCs using several approaches such as the expression of angiogenic genes by quantitative PCR, DiI-conjugated acetylated low-density lipoproteins (Dil-Ac-LDL) internalization assay, tube formation assay, expression of endothelial cell markers by immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, correlation of transcript levels of angiogenic genes with oocyte parameters was studied. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE FF and serum levels of VEGF and FGF2 were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in PCOS compared to controls. The tube formation and wound healing capacity of HUVECs was found to be reduced when measured after supplementation with FF of women with PCOS compared to controls. This suggests a decreased angiogenic capacity of FF in women with PCOS. Tube formation (P = 0.003) and Dil-Ac-LDL internalization (P = 0.03) ability of GLCs were significantly reduced in women with PCOS compared to controls. Protein expression levels of endothelial markers, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) (P = 0.004), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) (P = 0.011), TEK Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (Tie-2) (P = 0.026), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) (P = 0.026) and CD31 (P = 0.035) and transcript levels of angiogenic genes VEGFA (P = 0.042), hypoxia inducing factor 1A (HIF1A) (P = 0.025), FGF2 (P = 0.038), angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) (P = 0.028), heparin sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2) (P = 0.016), ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type1 motif, 1 (ADAMTS1) (P = 0.027) and fibronectin 1 (FN1) (P = 0.016) were found to be low in GLCs of PCOS compared to controls. Thus, the findings of this study indicate that endothelial cell-like characteristics of GLCs were significantly decreased in PCOS. Furthermore, transcript levels of VEGFA (r = 0.46, P = 0.009), ADAMTS1 (r = 0.55, P = 0.001), FGF2 (r = 0.42, P = 0.022) and ANGPT2 (r = 0.47, P = 0.008) showed a positive correlation with oocyte fertilization rate. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The vasculature formation in CL is not possible to study in women, but we explored the angiogenic characteristics of FF and GLC obtained from women with PCOS to speculate any vascularization defect of CL in these women. The FF and GLCs were obtained from the stimulated cycle during oocyte retrieval, which may not exactly mimic the in-vivo condition. The small sample size is another limitation of this study. Larger sample size and support by color Doppler studies on CL blood flow would help to strengthen our findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings suggest that the altered angiogenic potential of FF and GLCs may affect vasculature development required for CL formation and function in PCOS. These findings pave the way to devise therapeutic strategies to support angiogenesis process in follicle of women with PCOS, which may improve CL insufficiency, progesterone levels and prevent frequent miscarriages in these women. Furthermore, our study also hypothesizes that the vascularization around the ovarian follicles is also compromised which may lead to the growth arrest of the follicles in PCOS, however, this needs thorough investigations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Grant BT/PR16524/MED/97/346/2016 from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A

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