Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exerts its biological functions by its specific VEGF receptors (VEGFRs), which includes VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2. These VEGF receptors not only distribute in endothelial cells, but also in epidermal keratinocytes. VEGFRs may play a significant role in pathogenesis of the epidermal neoplasm and the VEGF-VEGFR signaling pathway may be a novel therapy target for neoplasm derived from epidermis.
Animals ; Epidermis ; metabolism ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Neuropilins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, the fms-like tyrosine-1 (flt-1) and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) in endometrial carcinoma and investigate the functions of VEGF and its receptors for endometrial carcinoma angiogenesis and its relation to the grade of tumor.

METHODSImmunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization technique were used to measure the level of VEGF, flt-1, KDR protein and mRNA in endometrial carcinoma tissue from 23 patients and endometrial samples from 6 normal menopausal women. A few endometrial carcinoma samples were homogenized for Western blot analysis. The blood vessel density was estimated by counting blood vessels stained with endothelial marker VIII factor.

RESULTSThe VEGF and its receptors were widely expressed in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells and tumor cells of endometrial carcinoma. The level of VEGF protein in endothelial cells and endometrial cancer cells of grade II and III tumor tissues was higher than that in grade I and normal menopausal endometrium (P < 0.05). VEGF mRNA did not show higher expression with the increase of tumor grade but its expression in normal tissue was lower than that in cancer (P < 0.05). The expression of flt-1 protein and mRNA in endothelial cells got higher in III than in grade II and I (P < 0.05), but invariable in cancer cells (P > 0.05), flt-1 expression in cancer was higher than that in normal menopausal endometrium either in endothelial cells or in cancer cells (P < 0.05). The expression of KDR protein in endothelial and cancer cell was high but did not alter with the increase of tumor grade (P > 0.05), the level of its mRNA was higher in cancer than that in normal tissue (P < 0.05). The microvascular density in grade III (48 +/- 12) was higher than that in grade II (26 +/- 16), grade I (27 +/- 14) and normal menopausal tissue (26 +/- 11, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression pattern of VEGF, flt-1 and KDR protein and mRNA increased with the increase of tumor grade in endometrial carcinoma indicates that VEGF and its receptors contribute to the neovascularization of tumors and is one of the factors that relate to rapid tumor growth of endometrial carcinoma.

Endometrial Neoplasms ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Endothelial Growth Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lymphokines ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of bortezomib on the migration of endothelial cells and the expression of angiogenesis-related molecules, and explore the mechanism of its antiproliferation of tumor cells.

METHODSCell count kit CCK-8 was used to detect the relative proliferation activity of cells after treated by bortezomib at different concentrations for 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Transwell model was uesd to detect the migration rate of cells. Expression levels of VEGF and Annexin A2 genes were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Annexin A2 protein was validated by Western blot.

RESULTSAfter treated with bortezomib at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0 and 10 nmol/L for 12h, respectively, the HMEC-1 cell proliferation activity was 1.004 ± 0.002, 0.793 ± 0.021 and 0.874 ± 0.062, respectively, being no statistical difference from that of control group (1.000) P < 0.05); while the migration rates of them were 0.697 ± 0.060, 0.597 ± 0.090 and 0.874 ± 0.062, respectively, being significantly lower than that of control group (1.000) (P < 0.05) and so did for the expression of VEGF and Annexin A2 genes. After treated with 5 nmol/L bortezomib for 12 h, the Annexin A2 and VEGF gene relative expression level of HMEC-1 cells was 0.540 ± 0.001 and 0.793 ± 0.153, respectively, being of statistical difference from that of control group (1.000) P < 0.05). The conspicuous downregulation of Annexin A2 protein was also confirmed by Western Blot.

CONCLUSIONSBortezomib can inhibit migration of endothelial cell HMEC-1 by downregulating the expression of VEGF and Annexin A2, displaying a new mechanism of bortezomib for inhibition of tumor proliferation.

Annexin A2 ; metabolism ; Bortezomib ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Endothelial Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct a retroviral vector carrying human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF (121)) cDNA for evaluation of the possibility of VEGF gene therapy in ischemic bone disease.

METHODShVEGF(121) cDNA was obtained from the plasmid pCDI/VEGF(121) and cloned into retroviral plasmid pLXSN. Recombinant plasmid was transferred to the retro virus packaging cell, PT-67, by lipofectamine mediated gene transfer. Mouse bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) were transfected by the retrovirus. The integration of the hVEGF(121) cDNA into MSC genomic DNA and expression of the VEGF gene was detected. Proliferation assays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by VEGF(121) in culture medium were performed.

RESULTSRecombinant pLXSN/VEGF(121) was correctly constructed and confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA sequencing analysis. hVEGF(121) gene was integrated into MSC genomic DNA after transfection, and the VEGF(121) protein was expressed. Proliferation assays showed VEGF(121) in culture medium was a biologically active protein and had a mitogenic effect on HUVEC.

CONCLUSIONSRecombinant retroviral vector carrying hVEGF(121) cDNA was successfully constructed. VEGF (121) protein expressed by MSCs had mitogenic effect biologically. This provides a further foundation for VEGF gene therapy for bone ischemic disease and bone tissue engineering.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; Cell Division ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Endothelial Growth Factors ; genetics ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Lymphokines ; genetics ; Mice ; Plasmids ; Retroviridae ; genetics ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Transgenes ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors ; Virus Assembly

To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on beta1 integrin (VLA-4 and VLA-5) activation ability in K562 cells transfected with antisense VEGF121 cDNA, K562 cells were transfected with antisense (As), sense (S) and vector (V, pcDNA(3)). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression rate of VLA-4 (CD49d/CD29) and VLA-5 (CD49e/CD29) and beta1 integrin activation ability in the transfected K562 cells. The results showed that the expression rates of VLA-4 and VLA-5 were more than 92% in the transfected K562 cells and there was no difference among the K562/V, K562/S and K562/As cells. However, beta1 integrin activated 9EG7 expression rate in K562/As cells was higher than that in K562/V cells [(75.6 +/- 10.5)% vs (41.2 +/- 2.1)%, P < 0.01)] after activation with beta1 integrin activator 8A2. It is concluded that function of beta1 integrin to be activated is restored in K562 cells transfected with antisense VEGF121 cDNA.
DNA ; genetics ; DNA, Antisense ; genetics ; Endothelial Growth Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Integrin alpha4beta1 ; biosynthesis ; Integrin alpha5beta1 ; biosynthesis ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; K562 Cells ; Lymphokines ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of transfection with human soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1(sFlt-1) gene on cell growth and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration of the culture supernatant in human colon cancer cell line Lovo.

METHODSThe recombinant plasmid pcDNA3-sFlt-1 containing sFlt-1 gene was transfected into Lovo cells by Lipofectamine 2000, which was identified by RT-PCR and ELISA. The effect of sFlt-1 protein on cell growth and VEGF expression in Lovo cells were investigated by MTT and ELISA.

RESULTSThe recombinant plasmid pcDNA3-sFlt-1 was successfully transfected into Lovo cells. The sFlt-1 expression was identified by RT-PCR and ELISA, which inhibited the growth of Lovo cells and reduced the VEGF concentration in the culture supernatant compared with control. The inhibitory rates of proliferation of Lovo cells via MTT assay after 2,14,21 and 28 days were(23.92+/-9.16)%, (13.98+/-10.21)%,(22.54+/-11.92)% and (33.43+/-9.34)% respectively. Compared with the control groups, the differences were significant (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONTransfection with sFlt-1 gene into Lovo cells results in the expression of sFlt-1 protein, which possesses high biological activity and inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their receptor in nasal inverted papillomas (NIP) and to clarify the function of VEGF in the occurrence of NIPs and the correlation with malignant phenotype. METHOD: VEGF and its receptor (flk-1), expression were examined by immunohistochemistry using LSAB method in sections of NIP from 48 patients and squamous carcinoma from 8 patients. RESULT: All the epithelium together with the adjacent vascular and stroma,expressed increased positive staining of VEGF and flk-1 with the degree of atypical hyperplasia in epithelium. The VEGF/flk-1 expression in epithelium was significantly stronger in severe atypical hyperplasia than that in mild atypical hyperplasia, and same in mild atypical hyperplasia than in NIPs (P<0.01). CONCLUSION VEGF/flk-1 participate in the growth of NIPs. The enhanced VEGF/flk-1 in the epithelium may be identified as one of the parameters in judging malignant transformation of NIPs.
Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nose Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Papilloma, Inverted ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prognosis ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct the adenoviral vector bringing hVEGF(121) cDNA for evaluation of the possibility of VEGF gene therapy in ischemic bone disease.

METHODSHuman vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF(121)) cDNA obtained from the plasmid pCDI/VEGF(121) was cloned into plasmid pshuttle and further cloned to Adeno-X Viral DNA. The recombinant adenoviral plasmid was identified and then transferred to the adenoviral packaging cell HEK293 by lipofectamine mediated gene transfer method to pack the virus. After titilating the virus, the mouse bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) were transfected by the adenovirus and the expression of VEGF gene was detected.

RESULTSThe recombinant Adeno-VEGF(121) was correctly constructed and confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA sequencing analysis. After MSCs were tranfected by the virus, RT-PCR showed that hVEGF(121) mRNA was transcripted from the hVEGF(121) gene. Western blot and immune histochemistry showed VEGF(121) protein was expressed in transgene MSCs.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant adenoviral vector bringing hVEGF(121) cDNA was successfully constructed and the transgene MSC expressed hVEGF gene in vitro, it provided the further foundation of VEGF gene therapy for bone ischemic diseases.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Endothelial Growth Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphokines ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

BACKGROUNDEndometriosis (EMs) is a common gynecological disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Hypoxia induces the expression of many important downstream genes to regulate the implantation, survival, and maintenance of ectopic endometriotic lesions. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a major role in the etiology of EMs. We aimed to determine whether TGF-β1 affects EMs development and progression and its related mechanisms in hypoxic conditions.

METHODSEndometrial tissue was obtained from women with or without EMs undergoing surgery from October, 2015 to October, 2016. Endometrial cells were cultured and then exposed to hypoxia and TGF-β1 or TGF-β1 inhibitors. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels of TGF-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were measured. A Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was used to examine the effect of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on a VEGF promoter construct. Student's t-test was performed for comparison among groups (one-sided or two-sided) and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTSTGF-β1, VEGF, HIF-1α mRNA, and protein expression were significantly higher in EMs tissue than that in normal endometrial tissue (t = 2.16, P = 0.042). EMs primary cultured cells exposed to hypoxia expressed 43.8% higher VEGF mRNA and protein (t = 6.84, P = 0.023). VEGF mRNA levels increased 12.5% in response to TGF-β, whereas the combined treatment of hypoxia/TGF-β1 resulted in a much higher production (87.5% increases) of VEGF. The luciferase activity of the VEGF promoter construct was increased in the presence of either TGF-β1 (2.6-fold, t = 6.08, P = 0.032) or hypoxia (11.2-fold, t = 32.70, P < 0.001), whereas the simultaneous presence of both stimuli resulted in a significant cooperative effect (18.5-fold, t = 33.50, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSThe data support the hypothesis that TGF-β1 is involved in the pathogenesis of EMs through regulating VEGF expression. An additive effect of TGF-β1 and hypoxia is taking place at the transcriptional level.

Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; Endometriosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

Vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, is essential for endothelial cell differentiation (vasculogenesis) and for the sprouting of new capillaries from preexisting vessels (angiogenesis). In addition, there is strong evidence that VEGF is a survival factor allowing the cells to survive and proliferate under conditions of extreme stress. Hypoxia is a key regulator of VEGF gene expression. Besides hypoxia, many cytokines, hormones and growth factors can up-regulate VEGF mRNA expression in various cell types. VEGF is present in the glomerulus of both the fetal and adult kidney. The VEGF produced by glomerular epithelial cell may be responsible for maintenance of the fenestrated phenotype of glomerular epithelial cells, thus facilitating the high rate of glomerular ultrafiltration. But there is little known about the role of VEGF in the tubule. VEGF is thought to be involved in many kinds of kidney diseases. Whereas VEGF has a beneficial role in the pathogenesis in some diseases, it does harmful action in others. Because VEGF is known to be associated with the pathogenesis of some diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy, renal tumor and polycystic kidney disease, the study about the role of VEGF is going to be a target for disease control. On the other hand, an attempt at enhancing the role of VEGF has to be made at diseases like several ARF models and experimental glomerulonephritis.
Animals ; Endothelial Growth Factors/genetics/*metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Human ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Kidney Diseases/*metabolism/physiopathology ; Kidney Glomerulus/*metabolism ; Kidney Tubules/*metabolism ; Lymphokines/genetics/*metabolism ; Protein Isoforms/genetics/metabolism ; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors