Tacrolimus action pathways in an ointment base for hypertrophic scar prevention in a rabbit ear model

Abstract Background: Tacrolimus is used to prevent unaesthetic scars due to its action on fibroblast activity and collagen production modulation. Objectives: To evaluate the action pathways, from the histopathological point of view and in cytokine control, of tacrolimus ointment in the prevention of hypertrophic scars. Methods: Twenty-two rabbits were submitted to the excision of two 1-cm fragments in each ear, including the perichondrium. The right ear received 0.1% and 0.03% tacrolimus in ointment base twice a day in the upper wound and in the lower wound respectively. The left ear, used as the control, was treated with petrolatum. After 30 days, collagen fibers were evaluated using special staining, and immunohistochemistry analyses for smooth muscle actin, TGF-β and VEGF were performed. Results: The wounds treated with 0.1% tacrolimus showed weak labeling and a lower percentage of labeling for smooth muscle actin, a higher proportion of mucin absence, weak staining, fine and organized fibers for Gomori's Trichrome, strong staining and organized fibers for Verhoeff when compared to controls. The wounds treated with 0.03% tacrolimus showed weak labeling for smooth muscle actin, a higher proportion of mucin absence, strong staining for Verhoeff when compared to the controls. There was absence of TGF-β and low VEGF expression. Study limitations: The analysis was performed by a single pathologist. Second-harmonic imaging microscopy was performed in 2 sample areas of the scar. Conclusions: Both drug concentrations were effective in suppressing TGF-β and smooth muscle actin, reducing mucin, improving the quality of collagen fibers, and the density of elastic fibers, but only the higher concentration influenced elastic fiber organization.

Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta-mediated pregnancy complication / 中华围产医学杂志

Placenta-mediated pregnancy complication (PMPC), including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss, is caused by inadequate trophoblast invasion and abnormal remodeling of maternal spiral arteries in early pregnancy, resulting in adverse perinatal outcomes and affecting the long-term maternal and child health. However, the molecular mechanisms of PMPC remain unclear. Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is highly expressed in human placenta and plays an important role in the development of a normal placenta through promoting placental angiogenesis and inhibiting trophoblast migration and invasion. EG-VEGF dysregulation is closely related to the pathogenesis of PMPC. This review described recent advances in EG-VEGF for better understanding of the underlying mechanism of PMPC and providing a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of PMPC.

Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta-mediated pregnancy complication / 中华围产医学杂志

Placenta-mediated pregnancy complication (PMPC), including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss, is caused by inadequate trophoblast invasion and abnormal remodeling of maternal spiral arteries in early pregnancy, resulting in adverse perinatal outcomes and affecting the long-term maternal and child health. However, the molecular mechanisms of PMPC remain unclear. Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is highly expressed in human placenta and plays an important role in the development of a normal placenta through promoting placental angiogenesis and inhibiting trophoblast migration and invasion. EG-VEGF dysregulation is closely related to the pathogenesis of PMPC. This review described recent advances in EG-VEGF for better understanding of the underlying mechanism of PMPC and providing a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of PMPC.

How relevant are vascular endothelial growth factor and intercellular adhesion molecule in the systemic capillary leak syndrome of psoriasis?

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic disease, characterized by erythematous scaly lesions, presented in eight different forms: plaques, guttate, pustular, erythrodermic, inverse, nail and scalp psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Its development depends on genetic factors, external stimulus and immune response alteration.1 Proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-12 and 23 may also be involved. In the worst cases, systemic complications linked to endothelial alterations may occur. A literature review was conducted for a better understanding of what roles VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule) have, among other cytokines, in systemic capillary leak syndrome, involved in erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis, the most unstable forms of the disease.

Expressions and significance of two kinds of vascular endothelial growth factors of different origin in adrenocortical lesions of primary aldosteronism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of the endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in adrenocortical lesions of primary aldosteronism. Methods The expressions of EG-VEGF, and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR in samples of 18 cases of adrenocortical adenoma, 6 adrenocortical hyperplasia, and 8 normal adrenal cortex. The correlation between the expressions of EG-VEGF, VEGF, and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. Results The expression of EG-VEGF or VEGF in adrenocortical adenomas was higher than that in adrenocortical hyperplasia or normal adrenal cortex ( all P＜0. 05 ), and the expression of EG-VEGF or VEGF between adrenocortical hyperplasia samples and normal adrenal cortex samples was indistinctive. There was no statistically significant correlation between EG-VEGF or VEGF expression and sex, age, blood pressure, serum potassium, plasma renin activity, except in case of serum aldosterone( P＜0.05 ). A positive correlation between EG-VEGF and VEGF ( P＜0. 01 ) was found. Conclusions EG-VEGF and VEGF may play a significant role in the formation and development of adrenocortical tumors in primary aldosteronism.