POEMS Syndrome Diagnosis in a Patient with Mixed Polyneuropathy: Case Report.

POEMS syndrome is a rare condition of paraneoplasic origin characterized by the presence of a sensorimotor polyneuropathy associated with the presence of a proliferative disorder of plasmatic monoclonal cells and overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor. The acronym "POEMS" represents multisystem findings including polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder and skin changes; nevertheless, clinical presentation is heterogeneous. We describe a clinical case, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient with sensorimotor polyneuropathy in whom POEMS syndrome was diagnosed; to understand this pathology, its clinical and paraclinical manifestations in order to make a diagnosis or to avoid a delayed one and to provide an adequate treatment.

Propranolol inhibits cell viability and expression of the pro-tumorigenic proteins Akt, NF-ĸB, and VEGF in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Propranolol (PPL) has been suggested as an option for the treatment of various types of cancer. However, data regarding its effectiveness against oral cancer are scarce. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor potential of PPL in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro. METHODS: OSCC cell lines, SCC-9, SCC-25, and Cal27, were treated with PPL at different times and concentrations. OSCC cells were treated with PPL alone or in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt, p-S6, p-PTEN, p-P65, and VEGF was verified by immunofluorescence. The migratory activity of OSCC cells was evaluated using a wound-healing assay. RESULTS: PPL reduced OSCC cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Concentrations above 300 µM, 110 µM, and 100 µM for SCC-9, Cal27, and SCC-25, respectively, significantly eliminated tumor cells. The combination of PPL with CDDP and 5-FU enhanced their antitumor effects. There was a modest difference between the use of the IC30 and IC50 of PPL in the combinatory options. PPL downregulated p-P65 NF-ĸB and VEGF expression in SCC-9 and Cal27 cells but not in SCC-25 cells. PPL inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and s6 and increased the phosphorylation of PTEN in all OSCC cell lines studied. PPL inhibited OSCC cell migration after 24 h of treatment. CONCLUSION: PPL was effective against oral cancer cells and enhanced standard-of-care. PPL inhibited cell viability and the expression of pAkt, NF-ĸB, and VEGF.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression Patterns in non- Human Papillomavirus - Related Pterygia: An Experimental Study on Cell Spot Arrays Digital Analysis.

PURPOSE: The role of angiogenic factors -such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - in the development and progression of pterygia lesions remains under investigation. In the current study, we analyzed VEGF protein expression in a series of pterygia and normal conjunctiva epithelia. METHODS: Using a liquid-based cytology assay, thirty (n = 30) cell specimens were obtained by applying a smooth scraping on conjunctiva epithelia and fixed accordingly. None of them had a history of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Similarly, the same process was applied also in normal conjunctiva epithelia (n = 10; control group). We constructed five (n = 5) slides each containing eight (n = 8) cell spots. An immunocytochemistry (ICC) assay was implemented. Digital image analysis was also performed for evaluating objectively the corresponding immunostaining intensity levels. RESULTS: All the examined pterygia cell samples over-expressed the marker. High staining intensity levels were detected in 15/30 (50%), whereas the rest 15/30 (50%) demonstrated moderate expression. Overall VEGF expression was statistically significantly higher in pterygia compared to normal conjunctiva epithelia (p=.0001). Concerning the other parameters, VEGF protein expression did not associate with the gender of the patients (p = 0.518), the presence of a recurrent lesion (p = 0.311), the anatomical location (p = 0.191) or with their morphology (p = 0.316). Interestingly, the recurrent lesions demonstrated the highest levels of VEGF expression. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF overexpression is a frequent event in pterygia playing a potentially central molecular role in the progression of the lesion. Cell spot array analysis -based on liquid cytology- seems to be an innovative, easy-to-use technique for analyzing a broad variety of molecules in multiple specimens on the same slide by applying different ICC assays.

Long Non-Coding RNA LINC02802 Regulates In Vitro Sprouting Angiogenesis by Sponging microRNA-486-5p.

In the last several years, accumulating evidence indicates that noncoding RNAs, especially long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs, play essential roles in regulating angiogenesis. However, the contribution of lncRNA-mediated competing-endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity in the control of capillary sprouting from the pre-existing ones has not been described so far. Here, by exploiting the transcriptomic profile of VEGF-A-activated endothelial cells in a consolidate three-dimensional culture system, we identified a list of lncRNAs whose expression was modified during the sprouting process. By crossing the lncRNAs with a higher expression level and the highest fold change value between unstimulated and VEGF-A-stimulated endothelial cells, we identified the unknown LINC02802 as the best candidate to take part in sprouting regulation. LINC02802 was upregulated after VEGF-A stimulation and its knockdown resulted in a significant reduction in sprouting activity. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that LINC02802 acts as a ceRNA in the post-transcriptional regulation of Mastermind-like-3 (MAML3) gene expression through a competitive binding with miR-486-5p. Taken together, these results suggest that LINC02802 plays a critical role in preventing the miR-486-5p anti-angiogenic effect and that this inhibitory effect results from the reduction in MAML3 expression.

STING up-regulates VEGF expression in oxidative stress-induced senescence of retinal pigment epithelium via NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway.

AIM: Aging-related dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the main pathogenic factors for pathological angiogenesis due to dysregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinal vascular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the molecular mechanism behind the up-regulation of VEGF in senescent RPE is still blurred. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As oxidative damage is the key cause of RPE dysfunction, we employed a model of oxidative stress-induced premature senescence of ARPE-19 to explore the effect of senescent RPE on VEGF. KEY FINDINGS: We reported that senescent ARPE-19 up-regulated VEGF expression under both short-term and prolonged H2O2 treatment, accompanying with increased HIF-1α, the key mediator of VEGF. STING signaling, which could be activated by oxidative stress-damaged DNA, was also observed to be increased in senescent ARPE-19 treated with H2O2. And the inhibition of STING significantly reduced HIF-1α expression to alleviate the up-regulation of VEGF. NF-κB was also shown to be involved in the regulation of VEGF in senescent ARPE-19 in response to STING signaling. Furthermore, oxidative stress impaired the lysosomal clearance of damaged DNA to enhance STING signaling, thereby up-regulating VEGF expression in senescent RPE. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data provide evidence that STING plays an important role in VEGF regulation in senescent RPE induced by oxidative stress.

A novel protein fusion partner, carbohydrate-binding module family 66, to enhance heterologous protein expression in Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND: Proteins with novel functions or advanced activities developed by various protein engineering techniques must have sufficient solubility to retain their bioactivity. However, inactive protein aggregates are frequently produced during heterologous protein expression in Escherichia coli. To prevent the formation of inclusion bodies, fusion tag technology has been commonly employed, owing to its good performance in soluble expression of target proteins, ease of application, and purification feasibility. Thus, researchers have continuously developed novel fusion tags to expand the expression capacity of high-value proteins in E. coli. RESULTS: A novel fusion tag comprising carbohydrate-binding module 66 (CBM66) was developed for the soluble expression of heterologous proteins in E. coli. The target protein solubilization capacity of the CBM66 tag was verified using seven proteins that are poorly expressed or form inclusion bodies in E. coli: four human-derived signaling polypeptides and three microbial enzymes. Compared to native proteins, CBM66-fused proteins exhibited improved solubility and high production titer. The protein-solubilizing effect of the CBM66 tag was compared with that of two commercial tags, maltose-binding protein and glutathione-S-transferase, using poly(ethylene terephthalate) hydrolase (PETase) as a model protein; CBM66 fusion resulted in a 3.7-fold higher expression amount of soluble PETase (approximately 370 mg/L) compared to fusion with the other commercial tags. The intact PETase was purified from the fusion protein upon serial treatment with enterokinase and affinity chromatography using levan-agarose resin. The bioactivity of the three proteins assessed was maintained even when the CBM66 tag was fused. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the CBM66 tag to improve soluble protein expression facilitates the easy and economic production of high-value proteins in E. coli.

Local intramuscular administration of ANG1 and VEGF genes using plasmid vectors mobilizes CD34+ cells to peripheral tissues and promotes angiogenesis in an animal model.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with peripheral artery disease have poor prognosis despite advances in vascular surgery. Therefore, attempts have been made at using gene and cell therapy to stimulate angiogenesis in the lower limbs in patients with critical lower limb ischemia (CLI). METHODS: The study included 30 rats divided into 3 groups. An intramuscular injection of a therapeutic gene or cells in the right hind limb was administered in each group: angiopoietin-1 (ANG1) plasmid in group 1, ANG1/vascular endothelial growth factor (ANG1/VEGF) bicistronic construct in group 2, and naked plasmid in group 3 (control). After 3 months of follow-up, tissue samples were harvested, and vessels that stained positively for CD34 cells were quantified. RESULTS: The highest CD34+ cell count was noted in the ANG1/VEGF group (98.26 cells), followed by the ANG1 group (80.31) and control group (47.93). The CD34+ cell count was significantly higher in the ANG1/VEGF and ANG1 groups than in the control group. There was no significant difference in the CD34+ cell count between the ANG1/VEGF and ANG1 groups. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that therapy with ANG1 plasmid alone or ANG1/VEGF bicistronic construct is safe and effective in a rat model. The therapy resulted in the recruitment of more CD34+ vascular endothelial cells than in the control group receiving naked plasmid.

Cytoglobin as a Prognostic Factor for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis of 75 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the relationship between cytoglobin (Cygb) expression and both clinicopathologic factors and prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS: Seventy-five patients with PDAC who underwent pancreatectomy between 2009 and 2014 at our department were included. Diagnosis was based on World Health Organization standards, with staging by TNM classification of Union for International Cancer Control. Expressions of Cygb, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, phosphorylated protein kinase B, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of resected surgical specimens and densitometrical analysis. RESULTS: Elevated expression of Cygb was found mainly in carcinoma cells of PDAC. Patients with low expression of Cygb showed significantly shorter disease-free survival and disease-specific survival than those with high expression. There was also a significant negative correlation between Cygb expression and the expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, phosphorylated protein kinase B, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor. In univariate analysis, Cygb expression, clinical stage, histologic tumor grade, lymphatic invasion, and vascular invasion were prognostic factors. In multivariate analysis, Cygb expression and the clinical stage were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of Cygb may contribute to tumor recurrence and poor prognosis of PDAC by increases in angiogenic factor.

Contribution of Neuropilin-1 in Radiation-Survived Subclones of NSCLC Cell Line H1299.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive lung cancer accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer patients. For the patients with Stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, the 5-year survival is low though with the combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, the occurrence of tumor cells (repopulated tumors) that survive irradiation remains a challenge. In our previous report, we subcloned the radiation-surviving tumor cells (IR cells) using the human NSCLC cell line, H1299, and found that the expression of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) was upregulated in IR cells by the microarray analysis. Here, we investigated the contribution of neuropilin-1 to changes in the characteristics of IR cells. Although there were no differences in angiogenic activity in the tube formation assay between parental and IR cells, the cell motility was increased in IR cells compared to parental cells in the cell migration assay. This enhanced cell motility was suppressed by pretreatment with anti-NRP-1 antibody. Although further studies are necessary to identify other molecules associated with NRP-1, the increase in cellular motility in IR cells might be due to the contribution of NRP-1. Inhibition of NRP-1 would help control tumor malignancy in radiation-surviving NSCLC.

Mast cell degranulation and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in mouse skin following ionizing irradiation.

The present study aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying the increase in vascular permeability in mouse skin following irradiation. The left ears of C3H mice were subjected to 2 and 15 Gy of radiation in a single exposure. At 24 h after irradiation, the ears were excised and tissue sections were stained with toluidine blue to assess mast cell degranulation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Approximately 5% (3%-14%) (mean [95% CI]) of mast cells in the skin of control mice were degranulated; moreover, at 24 h after 2 Gy irradiation, this value increased to approximately 20% (17%-28%). Mast cell degranulation by 15 Gy irradiation (32% [24%-40%]) was greater than that by 2 Gy irradiation. Significant differences were observed in mast cell degranulation among the control, 2 Gy and 15 Gy groups (p = 0.012). Furthermore, VEGF-positive reactions were observed in the cytoplasm of scattered fibroblasts in the dermis. In immunohistochemistry tests, VEGF expression at 24 h after irradiation increased slightly in the 2 Gy group compared to that in the control group, whereas no difference in VEGF expression was observed in the 15 Gy group compared to that in the control group. Expression of VEGF in western blots was consistent with that in immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, mast cell degranulation was increased in mouse skin at 24 h after irradiation in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, VEGF expression was slightly increased following only low-dose (2 Gy) irradiation.

S-layer protein 2 of vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 enhances growth, differentiation, VEGF production and barrier functions in intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2.

We have previously demonstrated the ability of the human vaginal strain Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 (LC2029) for strong adhesion to cervicovaginal epithelial cells, expression of the surface layer protein 2 (Slp2), and antagonistic activity against urogenital pathogens. Slp2 forms regular two-dimensional structure around the LC2029 cells,which is secreted into the medium and inhibits intestinal pathogen-induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in the human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Here, we elucidated the effects of soluble Slp2 on adhesion of proteobacteria pathogens inducing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), such as Escherichia coli ATCC E 2348/69, E. coli ATCC 31705, Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Campylobacter jejuni ATCC 29428, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 to Caco-2 cells, as well as on growth promotion, differentiation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, and intestinal barrier function of Caco-2 cell monolayers. Slp2 acts as anti-adhesion agent for NEC-inducing proteobacteria, promotes growth of immature Caco-2 cells and their differentiation, and enhances expression and functional activity of sucrase, lactase, and alkaline phosphatase. Slp2 stimulates VEGF production, decreases paracellular permeability, and increases transepithelial electrical resistance, strengthening barrier function of Caco-2 cell monolayers. These data support the important role of Slp2 in the early postnatal development of the human small intestine enterocytes.

The HDAC/HSP90 Inhibitor G570 Attenuated Blue Light-Induced Cell Migration in RPE Cells and Neovascularization in Mice through Decreased VEGF Production.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs due to an abnormality of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells that leads to gradual degeneration of the macula. Currently, AMD drug pipelines are endowed with limited options, and anti-VEGF agents stand as the dominantly employed therapy. Despite the proven efficacy of such agents, the evidenced side effects associated with their use underscore the need to elucidate other mechanisms involved and identify additional molecular targets for the sake of therapy improvement. The previous literature provided us with a solid rationale to preliminarily explore the potential of selective HDAC6 and HSP90 inhibitors to treat wet AMD. Rather than furnishing single-target agents (either HDAC6 or HSP90 inhibitor), this study recruited scaffolds endowed with the ability to concomitantly modulate both targets (HDAC6 and HSP90) for exploration. This plan was anticipated to accomplish the important goal of extracting amplified benefits via dual inhibition (HDAC6/HSP90) in wet AMD. As a result, G570 (indoline-based hydroxamate), a dual selective HDAC6-HSP90 inhibitor exerting its effects at micromolar concentrations, was pinpointed in the present endeavor to attenuate blue light-induced cell migration and retinal neovascularization by inhibiting VEGF production. In addition to the identification of a potential chemical tool (G570), the outcome of this study validates the candidate HDAC6-HSP90 as a compelling target for the development of futuristic therapeutics for wet AMD.

Aflibercept, a VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)-Trap, Reduces Vascular Permeability and Stroke-Induced Brain Swelling in Obese Mice.

Background and Purpose: Brain edema is an important underlying pathology in acute stroke, especially when comorbidities are present. VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling is implicated in edema. This study investigated whether obesity impacts VEGF signaling and brain edema, as well as whether VEGF inhibition alters stroke outcome in obese subjects. Methods: High-fat diet-induced obese mice were subjected to a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. VEGF-A and VEGFR2 (receptor) expression, infarct volume, and swelling were measured 3 days post-middle cerebral artery occlusion. To validate the effect of an anti-VEGF strategy, we used aflibercept, a fusion protein that has a VEGF-binding domain and acts as a decoy receptor, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with rVEGF (recombinant VEGF; 50 ng/mL) for permeability and tube formation. In vivo, aflibercept (10 mg/kg) or IgG control was administered in obese mice 3 hours after transient 30 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion. Blood-brain barrier integrity was assessed by IgG staining and dextran extravasation in the postischemic brain. A separate cohort of nonobese (lean) mice was subjected to 40 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion to test the effect of aflibercept on malignant infarction. Results: Compared with lean mice, obese mice had increased mortality, infarct volume, swelling, and blood-brain barrier disruption. These outcomes were also associated with increased VEGF-A and VEGFR2 expression. Aflibercept reduced VEGF-A-stimulated permeability and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Compared with the IgG-treated controls, mice treated with aflibercept had reduced mortality rates (40% versus 17%), hemorrhagic transformation (43% versus 27%), and brain swelling (28% versus 18%), although the infarct size was similar. In nonobese mice with large stroke, aflibercept neither improved nor exacerbated stroke outcomes. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that aflibercept selectively attenuates stroke-induced brain edema and vascular permeability in obese mice. These findings suggest the repurposing of aflibercept to reduce obesity-enhanced brain edema in acute stroke.

Dynamic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRß) in diabetic brain contributes to cognitive dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Accumulating evidence indicates that the abnormality of cerebrovascular structure and function plays an essential role in diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI), however, changes in cerebrovascular factors have been blurred during the development of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in the structure and function of cerebrovascular in DCI mice and to investigate the changes of cerebral angiogenesis and stability factors during the development of DM. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by feeding with high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ,120 mg/kg). Cognitive function was evaluated at different stages of DM, cerebral neovascularization, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and hippocampal neurons were measured of DCI mice, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor ß (PDGFRß) in hippocampus was detected during the development of DM. RESULTS: With the progress of diabetes, the learning and memory ability of mice gradually decreased, and DCI mice showed neuronal degeneration, increased BBB permeability and pathological cerebral neovascularization. Moreover, the expression of VEGF in the hippocampus increased first and then decreased at DM+8week, PDGFRß decreased continuously with the development of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that DCI may be attributed to the dynamic expression of VEGF/PDGFRß in diabetic hippocampus, and pathological cerebral neovascularization, increased BBB permeability and neuronal degeneration are the key links.

Possible Mechanism of Human Recombinant Leptin-Induced VEGF A Synthesis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 Kinase Signaling Pathway while Inducing Angiogenesis: An Analysis Using Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane Model.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to realize human recombinant leptin 's ability to synthesize VEGF A while inducing neovascularization through PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase involved signaling pathway. METHODS: To examine the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase pathway involvement in leptin-induced VEGF A synthesis, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was incubated with human recombinant leptin and specific inhibitors of the proposed signaling molecules (rapamycin and wortmannin). We analyzed the role of specified signaling molecules in human recombinant leptin-induced physiological angiogenesis via VEGF A synthesis in detail with the support of various methodologies. RESULTS: Human recombinant leptin's ability to synthesize VEGF A is diminished significantly in the presence of inhibitors. This observation supported the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase signaling molecules in human recombinant leptin-mediated VEGF A synthesis while inducing angiogenesis in CAM. CONCLUSION: Synthesis of VEGF A, followed by the growth of new blood vessels, by human recombinant leptin via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase signaling pathway reflects mechanistic therapeutic application of human recombinant leptin. The data also signify the role of mTOR and S6 kinase molecules in angiogenesis under a physiological environment.

Sulodexide reduces glucose induced senescence in human retinal endothelial cells.

Chronic exposure of retinal endothelium cells to hyperglycemia is the leading cause of diabetic retinopathy. We evaluated the effect of high glucose concentration on senescence in human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) and modulation of that effect by Sulodexide. Experiments were performed on HREC undergoing in vitro replicative senescence in standard medium or medium supplemented with glucose 20 mmol/L (GLU) or mannitol 20 mnol/L (MAN). Effect of Sulodexide 0.5 LRU/mL (SUL) on the process of HREC senescence was studied. Glucose 20 mmol/L accelerates senescence of HREC: population doubling time (+ 58%, p < 0.001) ß-galactosidase activity (+ 60%, p < 0.002) intracellular oxidative stress (+ 65%, p < 0.01), expression of p53 gene (+ 118%, p < 0.001). Senescent HREC had also reduced transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) (- 30%, p < 0.001). Mannitol 20 mmol/L used in the same scenario as glucose did not induce HREC senescence. In HREC exposed to GLU and SUL, the senescent changes were smaller. HREC, which became senescent in the presence of GLU, demonstrated higher expression of genes regulating the synthesis of Il6 and VEGF-A, which was reflected by increased secretion of these cytokines (IL6 + 125%, p < 0.001 vs control and VEGF-A + 124% p < 0.001 vs control). These effects were smaller in the presence of SUL, and additionally, an increase of TEER in the senescent HREC was observed. Chronic exposure of HREC to high glucose concentration in medium accelerates their senescence, and that process is reduced when the cells are simultaneously exposed to Sulodexide. Additionally, Sulodexide decreases the secretion of IL6 and VEGF-A from senescent HREC and increases their TEER.

Ultrasonic microbubble VEGF gene delivery improves angiogenesis of senescent endothelial progenitor cells.

The therapeutic effects of ultrasonic microbubble transfection (UMT)-based vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) gene delivery on young and senescent endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were investigated. By UMT, plasmid DNA (pDNA) can be delivered into both young EPCs and senescent EPCs. In the UMT groups, higher pDNA-derived protein expression was found in senescent EPCs than in young EPCs. Consistent with this finding, a higher intracellular level of pDNA copy number was detected in senescent EPCs, with a peak at the 2-h time point post UMT. Ultrasonic microbubble delivery with or without VEGF improved the angiogenic properties, including the proliferation and/or migration activities, of senescent EPCs. Supernatants from young and senescent EPCs subjected to UMT-mediated VEGF transfection enhanced the proliferation and migration of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and the supernatant of senescent EPCs enhanced proliferation more strongly than the supernatant from young EPCs. In the UMT groups, the stronger enhancing effect of the supernatant from senescent cells on HAEC proliferation was consistent with the higher intracellular VEGF pDNA copy number and level of protein production per cell in the supernatant from senescent cells in comparison to the supernatant from young EPCs. Given that limitations for cell therapies are the inadequate number of transplanted cells and/or insufficient cell angiogenesis, these findings provide a foundation for enhancing the therapeutic angiogenic effect of cell therapy with senescent EPCs in ischaemic cardiovascular diseases.

Ultrastructural aberrations, histological disruption and upregulation of the VEGF, CD34 and ASMA immunoexpression in the myocardium of anemic albino rats.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health problem affecting various body systems and tissues including the cardiovascular system. Several literatures described the associated physiological and clinical changes in the cardiovascular system and heart. However, the associated structural changes were poorly investigated. Therefore, the main aim of the present work was to elucidate whether IDA induces structural changes and alterations in the VEGF, CD34 and ASMA immunoexpression in the myocardium of albino rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into two groups (fifteen rats each); control and anemic. Hematological data for all animals were assessed weekly and statistically analyzed. Three weeks later, animals were sacrificed, and heart specimens were obtained and processed for light and electron microscopy. All hematological parameters showed a statistically significant decrease in the anemic group. Structurally, the anemic group showed markedly degenerated, disrupted and disorganized cardiomyocytes in addition to markedly congested blood vessels, fibroblasts, collagen fibers deposition and perivascular cellular infiltration were noted. Also, positive immunostaining for VEGF, CD34 and ASMA was observed. Ultra-structurally, the myocardium of the anemic group showed disrupted and degenerated myofibrils with degenerated nuclei, perinuclear edema, widened interstitial spaces and marked collagen deposition. Mitochondria markedly increased with abnormal shapes. IDA induced myocardial injury that may propagate to regeneration through activated CD34 progenitor cells and increased VEGF or to degeneration and fibrosis through collagen fibers deposition and enhanced ASMA. So, early diagnosis and treatment of IDA is mandatory to avoid the associated myocardial structural changes.

Astrocytes propel neurovascular dysfunction during cerebral cavernous malformation lesion formation.

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common neurovascular lesions caused by loss-of-function mutations in 1 of 3 genes, including KRIT1 (CCM1), CCM2, and PDCD10 (CCM3), and generally regarded as an endothelial cell-autonomous disease. Here we reported that proliferative astrocytes played a critical role in CCM pathogenesis by serving as a major source of VEGF during CCM lesion formation. An increase in astrocyte VEGF synthesis is driven by endothelial nitric oxide (NO) generated as a consequence of KLF2- and KLF4-dependent elevation of eNOS in CCM endothelium. The increased brain endothelial production of NO stabilized HIF-1α in astrocytes, resulting in increased VEGF production and expression of a "hypoxic" program under normoxic conditions. We showed that the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a direct HIF-1α target gene and a known component of the hypoxic program, contributed to the development of CCM lesions because the administration of a COX-2 inhibitor significantly prevented the progression of CCM lesions. Thus, non-cell-autonomous crosstalk between CCM endothelium and astrocytes propels vascular lesion development, and components of the hypoxic program represent potential therapeutic targets for CCMs.

CD146+Mesenchymal stem cells treatment improves vascularization, muscle contraction and VEGF expression, and reduces apoptosis in rat ischemic hind limb.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an increasingly common narrowing of the peripheral arteries that can lead to lower limb ischemia, muscle weakness and gangrene. Surgical vein or arterial grafts could improve PAD, but may not be suitable in elderly patients, prompting research into less invasive approaches. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed as potential therapy, but their effectiveness and underlying mechanisms in limb ischemia are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that treatment with naive MSCs (nMSCs) or MSCs expressing CD146 (CD146+MSCs) could improve vascularity and muscle function in rat model of hind-limb ischemia. Sixteen month old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: sham-operated control, ischemia, ischemia + nMSCs and ischemia+CD146+MSCs. After 4 weeks of respective treatment, rat groups were assessed for ischemic clinical score, Tarlov score, muscle capillary density, TUNEL apoptosis assay, contractile force, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression. CD146+MSCs showed greater CD146 mRNA expression than nMSCs. Treatment with nMSCs or CD146+MSCs improved clinical and Tarlov scores, muscle capillary density, contractile force and VEGF mRNA expression in ischemic limbs as compared to non-treated ischemia group. The improvements in muscle vascularity and function were particularly greater in ischemia+CD146+MSCs than ischemia + nMSCs group. TUNEL positive apoptotic cells were least abundant in ischemia+CD146+MSCs compared with ischemia + nMSCs and non-treated ischemia groups. Thus, MSCs particularly those expressing CD146 improve vascularity, muscle function and VEGF expression and reduce apoptosis in rat ischemic limb, and could represent a promising approach to improve angiogenesis and muscle function in PAD.