Background:
Angiogenesis is essential for the optimal functioning of orthopedic medical
implants. Protein functionalization of implant surfaces can improve tissue integration through
proper vascularization and prevent implant failure in patients lacking sufficient angiogenesis.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the angiogenic activity of titanium surfaces functionalized
with recombinant VE-cadherin extracelluar1-4 (VE-CADEC1-4) protein in human umbilical
vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
Methods:
After titanium discs were coated with recombinant VE-CADEC1-4 protein at appropriate
concentrations, the behavior of HUVECs on the VE-CADEC1-4-functionalized titanium discs were
evaluated by cell adhesion assay, proliferation assay, and real-time RT-PCR.
Results:
Recombinant VE-CADEC1-4–functionalized titanium surfaces improved the adhesion of
HUVECs by 1.8-fold at the optimal concentration, and the proliferative activity was 1.3-fold higher
than the control at 14 days. In addition, when angiogenesis markers were confirmed by real-time
RT-PCR, PECAM-1 increased approximately 1.2-fold, TEK approximately 1.4-fold, KDR approximately
1.6-fold, and Tie-1 approximately 2.1-fold compared to the control.
Conclusions:
Recombinant VE-CADEC1-4–functionalized titanium surfaces improved cell adhesion,
proliferation, and angiogenic differentiation of HUVECs, suggesting that the VE-CADEC1-4-functionalization
of titanium surfaces can offer angiogenic surfaces with the potential to improve bone
healing in orthopedic applications.
Real Time Monitoring of Inhibition of Adipogenesis and Angiogenesis by (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
