Increased expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),VEGF-C and VEGF receptor-3 in prostate cancer tissue are associated with tumor progression

Aim： To investigate the differences in microvessel densities （MVD） and the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, VEGF-C and VEGF receptor-3 （VEGFR-3） between prostate cancer （PCa） tissues and adjacent benign tissues, and to explore the correlations among MVD, Jewett-Whitmore staging, Gleason scores and expressions of VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in the progression of PCa. Methods： An immunohistochemical approach was adopted to detect the expressions of CD34, VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in both cancer areas and peripheral benign areas of 71 primary prostatic adenocarcinoma specimens. A statistic analysis was then performed according to the experimental and clinic data. Results： Significantly upregulated expressions of VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were all found in malignant epithelium/cancer cells compared with adjacent benign epithelium （P 〈 0.01）. Patients in stage D had a significantly higher score than patients in stage A, B or C when comparing the expression of VEGF-C or VEGFR-3 in the tumor area （P 〈 0.01）. In addition, significant correlations were observed between Jewett-Whitmore staging and VEGF-C （rs = 0.738, P 〈 0.01）, clinical staging and VEGFR-3 （rs = 0.410, P 〈 0.01）, VEGF-C and Gleason scores （rs = 0.401, P 〈 0.01）, VEGFR-3 and Gleason scores （rs = 0.581, P 〈 0.001） and MVD and VEGF （rs = 0.492, P 〈 0.001）. Conclusion： Increased expressions of VEGF and VEGF-C were closely associ- ated with progression of PCa. The main contribution of increased VEGF expression for PCa progression was to upregulate MVD, which maintained the growth advantage of tumor tissue. However, the chief role of increased expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 was to enhance lymphangiogenesis and provide a main pathway for cancer cells to disseminate. （Asian J Androl 2006 Mar; 8： 169-175）

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors

Objective： To explore the role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C （VEGF-C） in the process of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in epithelial ovarian tumors. Methods： In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF-C were performed in 30 epithelial ovarian carcinomas, 9 borderline tumors and 26 benign tumors. Endothelial cells were immunostained with anti-VEGFR-3 pAb and anti-CD31 mAb, and VEGFR-3 positive vessels and microvessel density （MVD） were assessed by image analysis. Results： VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression were detected in cytoplasm of carcinoma cells. VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression in ovarian epithelial carcinomas were significantly higher than those in borderline tumors and benign tumors （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. In ovarian epithelial carcinomas, VEGF-C protein expression, VEGFR-3 positive vessels and MVD were significantly higher in the cases of clinical stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ and with lymph node metastasis than those of clinical stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and without lymph node metastasis respectively （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. VEGFR-3 positive vessels and MVD were significantly higher in VEGF-C protein positive tumors than negative tumors （P〈0.05）. VEGFR-3 positive vessels was significantly correlated with MVD（P〈0.01）. Conclusion： VEGF-C might play a role in lymphatic metastasis via lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian tumors, and VBEGF-C could be used as a biologic marker of metastasis in ovarian epithelial tumors.

Integrin binding peptides facilitate growth and interconnected vascular-like network formation of rat primary cortical vascular endothelial cells in vitro

Neovascularization and angiogenesis in the brain are important physiological processes for normal brain development and repair/regeneration following insults. Integrins are cell surface adhesion receptors mediating important function of cells such as survival, growth and development during tissue organization, differentiation and organogenesis. In this study, we used an integrin-binding array platform to identify the important types of integrins and their binding peptides that facilitate adhesion, growth, development, and vascular-like network formation of rat primary brain microvascular endothelial cells. Brain microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from rat brain on post-natal day 7. Cells were cultured in a custom-designed integrin array system containing short synthetic peptides binding to 16 types of integrins commonly expressed on cells in vertebrates. After 7 days of culture, the brain microvascular endothelial cells were processed for immunostaining with markers for endothelial cells including von Willibrand factor and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule. 5-Bromo-2′-dexoyuridine was added to the culture at 48 hours prior to fixation to assess cell proliferation. Among 16 integrins tested, we found that α5β1, αvβ5 and αvβ8 greatly promoted proliferation of endothelial cells in culture. To investigate the effect of integrin-binding peptides in promoting neovascularization and angiogenesis, the binding peptides to the above three types of integrins were immobilized to our custom-designed hydrogel in three-dimensional(3 D) culture of brain microvascular endothelial cells with the addition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Following a 7-day 3 D culture, the culture was fixed and processed for double labeling of phalloidin with von Willibrand factor or platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and assessed under confocal microscopy. In the 3 D culture in hydrogels conjugated with the integrin-binding peptide, brain microvascular endothelial cells formed interconnected vascular-like network with clearly discernable lumens, which is reminiscent of brain microvascular network in vivo. With the novel integrin-binding array system, we identified the specific types of integrins on brain microvascular endothelial cells that mediate cell adhesion and growth followed by functionalizing a 3 D hydrogel culture system using the binding peptides that specifically bind to the identified integrins, leading to robust growth and lumenized microvascular-like network formation of brain microvascular endothelial cells in 3 D culture. This technology can be used for in vitro and in vivo vascularization of transplants or brain lesions to promote brain tissue regeneration following neurological insults.

Activation of STAT3 signaling in human stomach adenocarcinoma drug-resistant cell line and its relationship with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor

AIM: To investigate the difference in activation of STAT3 signaling between two human stomach adenocarcinoma cell lines: 5-fluorouracil resistant cell line and its parental cell line, and to evaluate its relationship with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS: Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to detect the expression of phospho-STAT3 protein and constitutive activation of STAT3 in two human stomach adenocarcinoma cell lines, 5-fluorouracil resistant cell line SGC7901/R and its parental cell line SGC7901, respectively. The mRNA expression of VEGF was analysed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expressive intensity of VEGF protein was measured by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The expressions of phospho-STATS protein and constitutive activation of STAT3 between two human stomach adenocarcinoma cell lines were different. Compared with the parental cell line SGC7901, the STAT3DNA binding activity and the expressive intensity of phospho-STAT3 protein were lower in the drug-resistant cell line SGC7901/R. The expression levels of VEGF mRNA and its encoded protein were also decreased in drugresistant cell line. CONCLUSION: Over-expression of VEGF may be correlated with elevated STAT3 activation in parental cell line. Lower VEGF expression may be correlated with decreased STAT3 activation in resistant cell line, which may have resulted from negative feedback regulation of STAT signaling.

Expression of p-STAT3 and vascular endothelial growth factor in MNNG-induced precancerous lesions and gastric tumors in rats

AIM: To investigate the dynamic expression of p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the formation of gastric tumors induced by drinking water containing N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in Wistar rats. METHODS: One hundred and twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups (60 in each group): Control group and Model group. The rats in each group were then randomly divided into three groups (20 in each group): C/M15, C/M25 and C/M40 (15, 25 and 40 represent the number of feeding weeks from termination). Rats in the control group received normal drinking water and rats in the model group received drinking water containing 100 μg/mL MNNG. Stomach tissues were collected at the end of the 15th, 25th and 40th week, respectively, for microscopic measurement using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of p-STAT3 and VEGF in different pathological types of gastric tissue, including normal, inflammation, atrophy, hyperplasia and gastric stromal tumor, was observed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the corelation between p-STAT3 and VEGF was analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The expression of p-STAT3 in tissue with gastritis, atrophy, dysplasia and gastric stromal tumor were significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group (2.5 ± 1.0, 2.75 ± 0.36, 6.2 ± 0.45, 5.67 ± 0.55 vs 0.75 ± 0.36, P = 0.026, 0.035, 0.001, 0.002, respectively); the expression of p-STAT3 in tissue with dysplasia was higher than that in samples with gastritis or atrophy (6.2 ± 0.45 vs 2.5 ± 1.0, P = 0.006; 6.2 ± 0.45 vs 2.75 ± 0.36, P = 0.005, respectively); however, the expression of p-STAT3 in gastritis and atrophy was not significantly different (P > 0.05); (2) the expression of VEGF in tissue with gastritis, atrophy, dysplasia and gastric stromal tumor was significantly increased in the model group compared with normal gastric mucosa; and the expression of VEGF in tissue with dysplasia was higher than that in tissue with inflammation and atrophy (10.8 ± 1.96 vs 7.62 ± 0.25, P = 0.029; 10.8 ± 1.96 vs 6.26 ± 0.76, P = 0.033, respectively); similarly, the expression of VEGF in tissue with gastritis and atrophy was not significantly different (P > 0.05); and (3) the expression of VEGF was positively correlated with p-STAT3. CONCLUSION: p-STAT3 plays an important role in gastric cancer formation by regulating the expression of VEGF to promote the progression of gastric tumor from gastritis.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and adropin levels in age-related macular degeneration

AIM： To investigate the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2（VEGFR-2） and adropin in age-related macular degeneration（AMD）patients.·METHODS： Ninety-eight AMD patients were included in the study. Seventy-eight age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group.Fundus florescein angiography and optical coherence tomography were performed to assess the posterior segment details. Serum VEGFR-2 and adropin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared between the study groups.· RESULTS： AMD group had significantly increased foveal retinal thickness, serum LDL and HDL levels and significantly decreased subfoveal choroidal thickness（P =0.01, 0.047, 0.025 and 〈0.001, respectively）. Serum VEGFR-2level revealed a significant decrease in AMD patients compared to controls（26.48 ±6.44 vs 30.42 ±7.92 ng/m L,P 〈0.001）. There was an insignificant increase in serum adropin level in AMD patients（6.17±3.19 vs 5.79±2.71 ng/m L,P =0.4）. Serum level of VEGFR-2 in AMD patients had a significant negative correlation with foveal retinal thickness（r =-0.226, P =0.025） and a significant positive correlation with subfoveal choroidal thickness（r=0.2, P=0.048）.·CONCLUSION： The current study demonstrated that the decreased serum VEGFR-2 level may be considered in the development of AMD. Adropin does not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD.

Effects of endostatin on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors and neovascularization in colonic carcinoma implanted in nude mice

AIM:To investigate the antiangiogenic effects of endostatin on colonic carcinoma cell line implanted in nude mice and its mechanism. METHODS:Nude mice underwent subcutaneous injection with LS-174t colonic carcinoma cell line to generate carcinoma and were randomly separated into two groups.Mice received injection of vehicle or endostatin every day for two weeks. After the tumor was harvested,the tumor volumes were determined,and the expressions of CD34,VEGF and FIk-1 were examined by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS:Tumor volume was significantly inhibited in the endostatin group(84.17%)and tumor weight was significantly inhibited in the endostatin group(0.197±0.049) compared to the control group(1.198±0.105)(F=22.56, P=0.001),microvessel density(MVD)was significantly decreased in the treated group(31.857±3.515)compared to the control group(100.143±4.290)(F=151.62,P<0.001). Furthermore,the expression of FIk-1 was significantly inhibited in the treated group(34.29%) ompared to the control group(8.57%)(X^2=13.745,P=0.001).However no significant decrease was observed in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)between these two groups(X^2=0.119,P=0.730). CONCLUSION:Endostatin can inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis by blocking Vegf/FIk-1 pathway.This experiment provides the theory basis for developing a new anti-carcinoma drug through studying the properties of anti-angiogenesis inhibitors.

In vitro Studies on Binding and Release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Heparinized Bovine Pericardiums

Objective： To investigate binding and release of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and its effect on adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells （ECs） in acellular fresh specimens of bovine pericardiums, which were modified by heparinization. Methods： Cross-linked aeellular fresh specimens of bovine perieardiums were heparinized by three methods： （1） heparinizcd N-（3-diinethylaminopropyl）-N＇-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride （EDC） treated acellular tissue samples; （2） heparinized poly（ethyleneimine） （PEI） treated acellular tissue samples; （3） heparinized EDC-PEI treated aeellular tissue samples. Controlled release of VEGF and its effect on adhesion and proliferation of ECs was evaluated. Results： In the present study, binding and release of VEGF had better performance in heparinized EDC-PEI treated group, compared with heparinized EDC-alone treated group and heparinized PEI -alone group. We could observe enhanced ability to adhesion and proliferation via modest moisture and effective controlled binding and release of VEGF. Conclusion： Binding of VEGF in heparinized EDC treated group was stable, while reiease of VEGF in heparinized treated group was adjusted freely. Interestingly, controlled binding and release of VEGF could exert beneficial effect on adhesion and proliferation of ECs in heparinized EDC-PEI treated group.

溶酶体相关膜蛋白3通过VEGF/AKT通路抑制PC-3细胞增殖、转移及血管生成

目的探索LAMP3对PC-3细胞增殖、迁移及血管生成的影响。方法Western blot(WB)及RT-PCR检测LAMP3在正常前列腺上皮细胞及前列腺癌骨转移细胞中的表达。构建稳定沉默LAMP3的PC-3细胞,分别使用CCK8、划痕试验、Transwell试验检测LAMP3对PC-3细胞增殖、迁移与侵袭的影响。通过ELISA及血管生成试验检测血管内皮生长因子VEGF、基质金属酶MMP9的表达及HUVEC细胞的血管生成,最后使用WB及RT-PCR检测VEGF、AKT/p-AKT的表达。结果LAMP3在前列腺癌细胞中的表达较正常前列腺上皮细胞明显升高,以PC-3细胞最明显(P<0.05)。沉默LAMP3能抑制PC-3细胞的增殖、迁移与侵袭能力,同时能抑制VEGF、MMP9的表达及PC-3细胞诱导的血管生成,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。此外,LAMP3能下调PC-3细胞中VEGF、AKT/p-AKT的表达。结论LAMP3能通过调控VEGF/AKT通路影响PC-3细胞的增殖、转移和血管生成,LAMP3可能是前列腺癌骨转移的潜在治疗靶点之一。

Foxp3在小鼠肺发育中的动态表达及意义

目的:通过分析叉头样转录因子3(forkhead box protein 3,Foxp3)在小鼠肺发育过程中的表达及其与肺发育相关标志物之间的关系,探讨Foxp3在肺发育中的可能作用。方法:根据小鼠肺发育的进程,选取胎鼠及新生鼠分为6组,分别于孕17.5 d及出生后1、4、7、14、21 d留取肺组织,HE染色观察肺组织形态,免疫组织化学染色检测CD31含量并观察肺微血管密度。qRT-PCR检测Foxp3及肺表面活性蛋白C(surfactant protein C,SP-C)、血管内皮生长因子A(vascular endothelial growth factor A,VEGF-A)、血管生成素-1(angiopoietin 1,Ang-1)mRNA表达,蛋白质印迹法检测Foxp3及SP-C、VEGF-A、Ang-1蛋白表达。结果:肺组织内Foxp3 mRNA在孕17.5 d小管期表达最高,后呈现不断减少趋势。SP-C mRNA在小鼠出生后1 d表达最高,随后逐渐减弱,直至肺泡化晚期。VEGF-A、Ang-1 mRNA在孕17.5 d表达最高,之后呈现不断减少趋势,最终趋于稳定。Foxp3蛋白在小管期已有表达,且在小管期及囊泡期表达最高,其后逐渐趋于平稳,VEGF-A及Ang-1在小管期及囊泡期表达亦最高,后逐渐减少;SP-C表达于出生后1 d达到最高,随后逐渐减少,并于肺泡化中晚期趋于平稳。相关性分析显示,Foxp3与SP-C、VEGF-A及Ang-1存在相关性(r分别为0.661、0.630和0.738)。结论:Foxp3在胎肺期及出生后早期呈现动态表达,Foxp3在小管期及囊泡早中期的高表达与SP-C、VEGF-A及Ang-1呈正相关,提示Foxp3可能促进肺泡上皮细胞及肺血管内皮细胞的增殖,参与肺发育过程。

Small interfering RNA targeting PGC-1α inhibits VEGF expression and tube formation in human retinal vascular endothelial cells

AIMTo determine whether small interfering RNA (siRNA) of PGC-1α could inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and tube formation in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs).METHODShRVECs transfected with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) siRNA were incubated for 24h and then placed into a normoxic (20%, O2) or hypoxic (1%, O2) environment for another 16h. PGC-1α mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. VEGF mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and ELISA. Cell proliferation was evaluated by BrdU incorporation assay. Forty-eight hours after siRNA transfection, hRVECs were planted into Matrigel-coated plates and cultured under normoxic (20%, O2) or hypoxic (1%, O2) conditions for another 48h. The tube formation of hRVECs was observed under an optical microscope and quantified by counting the number of branch points and calculating the total tube length.RESULTSPGC-1α mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced by PGC-1α siRNA, and VEGF mRNA and protein levels also decreased significantly. The percentage of BrdU-labeled cells in siPGC-1α groups were significantly decreased compared with control siRNA groups under normoxia and hypoxia in cell proliferation assay. In the tube formation assay, PGC-1α siRNA treated cells formed significantly fewer tubes.CONCLUSIONBlocking PGC-1α expression can inhibit VEGF expression in hRVECs and inhibit their ability to form tubes under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

高原地区不同程度冠状动脉狭窄与EGR3、VEGF蛋白的相关性分析

目的对不同程度冠状动脉(简称冠脉)狭窄与人早期生长反应因子3(early growth response 3,EGR3)、血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)等蛋白因子的相关性进行探讨,同时筛选出与EGR3、VEGF相关性最强的蛋白因子,并探讨高原地区快速诊断冠心病以及评估冠脉狭窄程度潜在的新生物标志物。方法选取青海省人民医院(海拔2260 m)心内科住院患者172例,根据冠脉狭窄程度将其分为病例组126例(包括动脉粥样硬化组38例、中度狭窄组71例、重度狭窄组17例)和对照组46例。检测EGR3、VEGF等蛋白因子并进行统计学分析,再借助京都基因与基因组百科全书(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes,KEGG)分析,探讨高原地区快速诊断冠心病以及评估冠脉狭窄程度潜在的新生物标志物。结果动脉粥样硬化组、中度狭窄组、重度狭窄组的人单核细胞/巨核细胞主要组织相容性复合体受体1(human monocyte/megakaryocyte major histocompatibility complex receptor 1,MMR1)、EGR3、人血栓素B2(thromboxane B2,TXB2)、人血清反应因子(serum response factor,SRF)、人血小板活化因子(platelet activating factor,PAF)、VEGF、人cAMP反应元件结合蛋白(cyclic-AMP response element binding protein,CREB)、人血小板生成素(thrombopoietin,TPO)、人血小板反应蛋白/凝血酶敏感蛋白1(thrombospondin 1,THBS1)水平与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析显示,血清VEGF与TXB2、SRF、PAF、EGR3、CREB、TPO、THBS1均呈正相关(r=0.460、0.644、0.539、0.462、0.740、0.702、0.673,均P<0.05),以血清CREB与VEGF相关性最强。血清EGR3与MMR1、TXB2、SRF、PAF、VEGF、CREB、TPO、THBS1均呈正相关(r=0.405、0.682、0.780、0.700、0.462、0.686、0.551、0.245,均P<0.05),以血清SRF与EGR3相关性最强。通过KEGG分析得出,在通路hsa04010中,SRF在VEGF的下游,调控增殖与分化;在通路hsa04926中,CREB在VEGF的上游,调控血管生成;在通路hsa04066中,缺氧诱导因子在VEGF的上游,调控血管的生成。结论因子MMR1、EGR3、TXB2、SRF、PAF、VEGF、CREB、TPO、THBS1与冠脉狭窄严重程度存在相关性,VEGF、CREB、SRF、EGR3可能成为高原地区冠心病诊断新的生物标志物。

肝细胞癌患者血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR的表达水平及其与病理特征和预后的相关性

目的检测血清蛋白质酪氨酸磷酸酶3(PTPN3)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、易洛魁族同源盒基因5(IRX5)、长链非编码RNA HOX转录反义RNA(HOTAIR)在肝细胞癌(HCC)中的表达水平,并分析其与患者的病理特征和预后的相关性,为临床工作提供血清学参考。方法选取2020年6月至2022年10月南阳市中心医院收治的117例HCC患者作为观察组,另选取同期117例良性肝内结节患者作为对照组,比较两组患者的血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR水平,分析HCC患者血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR水平与病理特征的关系。随访6个月,依据患者预后情况分为预后良好组72例和预后不良组45例,比较不同预后患者的血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR水平,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR单独及联合预测HCC预后的效能,采用相对危险度(RR)分析血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR水平与HCC预后的关系。结果观察组患者的血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR水平分别为(181.42±10.19)ng/mL、(154.66±11.82)μmol/L、(82.42±8.23)ng/mL、1.20±0.28,明显高于对照组的(86.64±13.28)ng/m L、(83.64±9.50)μmol/L、(34.80±6.63)ng/m L、1.07±0.25,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同TNM分期、分化程度、肿瘤直径、伴肝硬化、区域淋巴结转移、Ki-67指数、脉管内瘤栓、包膜侵犯HCC患者血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR水平比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);肿瘤多发患者的血清VEGF水平为(154.10±10.26)μmol/L,明显高于肿瘤单发患者的(191.62±9.45)μmol/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后2个月,预后良好患者的血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR水平分别为(153.69±22.24)ng/m L、(113.27±25.64)μmol/L、(70.53±10.24)ng/m L、1.15±0.23,明显低于预后不良患者的(217.58±27.06)ng/m L、(215.33±38.19)μmol/L、(96.35±14.88)ng/m L、1.36±0.28,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);绘制血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR单独及联合预测HCC预后的ROC,结果显示各血清联合预测的AUC最大,为0.924(95%CI:0.860~0.965);HCC预后不良的危险度分析结果显示,血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR所致RR值分别为4.604(95%CI:2.602~8.145)、7.139(95%CI:3.660~13.924)、4.733(95%CI:2.749~8.149)、4.690(95%CI:2.575~8.544)(P<0.05)。结论血清PTPN3、VEGF、IRX5、HOTAIR在HCC中的表达异常升高,且与病理特征联系密切,对患者预后有一定评估作用。

原花青素通过调节PI3K/Akt/VEGF信号通路对牙龈炎大鼠的作用机制研究

目的探讨原花青素通过调节磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)信号通路对牙龈炎大鼠的潜在作用机制。方法通过丝线缝扎大鼠上颌双侧第1磨牙牙颈部+涂抹麦芽糖+喂食20%蔗糖溶液及软食的方法构建牙龈炎大鼠模型,将造模成功的48只大鼠随机分为模型组、原花青素组(160 mg/kg)、740Y-P组(PI3K/Akt信号通路激活剂,0.02mg/kg)、原花青素+740Y-P组(原花青素160 mg/kg+740Y-P 0.02 mg/kg),每组12只;另取12只大鼠作为对照组。各药物组大鼠灌胃或/和腹腔注射相应药液,每天1次,连续7 d。末次给药结束24 h后,测定大鼠牙龈指数,检测其龈沟液中白细胞介素18(IL-18)、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)水平以及牙龈组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、活性氧(ROS)水平,观察大鼠牙龈组织的病理形态并检测其牙龈组织中PI3K/Akt/VEGF信号通路相关蛋白的表达情况。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠牙龈组织存在局部组织扩张充血、新生毛细血管出现、胶原纤维变性丢失且排列紊乱、大量炎症细胞浸润龈沟壁等病理改变;其牙龈指数,龈沟液中IL-18、iNOS、ALP水平,牙龈组织中ROS水平,PI3K、Akt蛋白的磷酸化水平以及VEGF蛋白的表达水平均显著升高,牙龈组织中SOD、CAT水平显著降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,原花青素组大鼠牙龈组织病理损伤减轻,上述各定量指标均显著改善(P<0.05),且740Y-P能逆转原花青素对各指标的改善作用(P<0.05)。结论原花青素可能通过抑制PI3K/Akt/VEGF信号通路来缓解牙龈炎大鼠的牙龈组织损伤,改善牙龈炎症和氧化应激。

Mfn2调控VEGFR2/PI3K促进卵巢癌种植转移的机制研究

目的 探讨线粒体融合蛋白2(Mfn2)对卵巢癌种植转移的作用以及其可能的分子机制。方法 选取2019年6月至2021年6月于南京医科大学附属苏州医院就诊治疗的86例卵巢癌患者作为研究对象,对比癌组织和癌旁组织Mfn2、血管内皮生长因子受体2(VEGFR2)、磷酸酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)蛋白表达,分析Mfn2、VEGFR2、PI3K蛋白表达与相关病理特征的关系。构建Mfn2上调/下调卵巢癌SKOV-3细胞株并验证Mfn2、VEGFR2、PI3K的表达。结果 Mfn2、VEGFR2、PI3K在肿瘤组织中的阳性表达率高于癌旁组织,差异均有统计学意义(χ^(2)=4.597、6.456、3.930,P=0.032、0.011、0.047);不同FIGO分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移情况及生存情况中,卵巢组织中Mfn2、VEGFR2、PI3K蛋白表达比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与NC组对比,Mfn2上调组卵巢癌SKOV-3细胞中Mfn2 mRNA相对表达量和Mfn2、VEGFR2、PI3K蛋白、显著上调(P<0.05);与shNC组对比,shMfn2下调组卵巢癌SKOV-3细胞中Mfn2mRNA相对表达量和Mfn2、VEGFR2、PI3K蛋白显著下调(P<0.05)。结论 下调Mfn2表达与VEGFR2、PI3K表达水平可以预防卵巢癌种植转移。

Emodin suppresses alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation and neovascularization by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of emodin on alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation and neovascularization.METHODS:The ability of emodin to target vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2)was predicted by molecular docking.The effects of emodin on the invasion,migration,and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)were determined by cell counting kit-8,Transwell,and tube formation assays.Analysis of apoptosis was performed by flow cytometry.CD31 levels were examined by immunofluorescence.The abundance and phosphorylation state of VEGFR2,protein kinase B(Akt),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),and P38 were examined by immunoblot analysis.Corneal alkali burn was performed on 40 mice.Animals were divided randomly into two groups,and the alkali-burned eyes were then treated with drops of either 10μM emodin or phosphate buffered saline(PBS)four times a day.Slitlamp microscopy was used to evaluate inflammation and corneal neovascularization(CNV)in all eyes on Days 0,7,10,and 14.The mice were killed humanely 14 d after the alkali burn,and their corneas were removed and preserved at-80℃ until histological study or protein extraction.RESULTS:Molecular docking confirmed that emodin was able to target VEGFR2.The findings revealed that emodin decreased the invasion,migration,angiogenesis,and proliferation of HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner.In mice,emodin suppressed corneal inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibited the development of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn.Compared to those of the PBS-treated group,lower VEGFR2 expression and CD31 levels were found in the emodintreated group.Emodin dramatically decreased the expression of VEGFR2,p-VEGFR2,p-Akt,p-STAT3,and p-P38 in VEGF-treated HUVEC.CONCLUSION:This study provides a new avenue for evaluating the molecular mechanisms underlying corneal inflammation and neovascularization.Emodin might be a promising new therapeutic option for corneal alkali burns.

Xuebijing improves intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats by regulating the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND:This study aims to explore whether Xuebijing(XBJ) can improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in sepsis and its mechanism.METHODS:A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).A total of 30 male SD rats were divided into four groups:sham group,CLP group,XBJ + axitinib group,and XBJ group.XBJ was intraperitoneally injected 2 h before CLP.Hemodynamic data(blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded.The intestinal microcirculation data of the rats were analyzed via microcirculation imaging.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits were used to detect the serum levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the rats.Histological analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa in rats.The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A),phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt),and phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt) in the small intestine was analyzed via Western blotting.RESULTS:XBJ improved intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats,alleviated the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa,and reduced the systemic inflammatory response.Moreover,XBJ upregulated the expression of VEGF-A,p-PI3K/total PI3K,and p-Akt/total Akt in the rat small intestine.CONCLUSION:XBJ may improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats possibly through the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

VEGFR-3、MMP-9、nm23-H1蛋白在口腔癌组织中的表达及其临床价值研究

目的:探讨血管内皮生长因子受体3(VEGFR-3)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、nm23-H1蛋白在口腔癌组织中的表达及其临床价值。方法:选取行手术治疗的口腔鳞状细胞癌患者70例,收集癌组织标本。另选取同期体检健康者70例,采集口腔黏膜组织。采用免疫组织化学染色法检测样本组织VEGFR-3、MMP-9、nm23-H1蛋白表达,分析其与患者临床病理特征的相关性。术后随访5年,记录患者生存情况。分析VEGFR-3、MMP-9、nm23-H1蛋白表达与患者术后5年预后的关系。结果:口腔癌组织VEGFR-3、MMP-9蛋白阳性表达率高于口腔黏膜组织,nm23-H1蛋白阳性表达率低于口腔黏膜组织(均P<0.05)。VEGFR-3、MMP-9蛋白阳性表达患者淋巴结转移比例较高(均P<0.05)。nm23-H1蛋白阳性表达患者淋巴结转移、TNM分期Ⅲ期-Ⅳ期及肿瘤浸润深度>5 mm比例较低(均P<0.05)。口腔癌组织VEGFR-3、MMP-9蛋白表达与淋巴结转移呈正相关(均P<0.05)。m23-H1蛋白表达与淋巴结转移、TNM分期、肿瘤浸润深度呈负相关(均P<0.05)。VEGFR-3、MMP-9蛋白阳性表达患者5年生存率低于阴性表达患者(均P<0.05)。m23-H1蛋白阳性表达患者5年生存率高于阴性表达患者(P<0.05)。结论:口腔癌组织VEGFR-3、MMP-9蛋白高表达,nm23-H1蛋白低表达,三者与淋巴结转移以及口腔癌患者预后有关。

PEG3、STMN1基因在非小细胞肺癌的表达及其与临床病理特征、血管生成相关性研究

目的 探讨父系表达基因3(PEG3)、抑微管装配蛋白1(STMN1)基因在非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的表达及其与临床病理特征和血管生成的关系。方法 收集宁夏医科大学总医院肿瘤医院2021年1月—2023年1月经病理证实的96例NSCLC患者癌组织及癌旁组织,采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)检测和免疫组织化学检测癌组织与癌旁组织PEG3、STMN1、VEGF及CD105 mRNA的表达;比较不同临床病理特征NSCLC患者癌组织PEG3、STMN1的阳性表达率;采用Pearson法分析PEG3、STMN1与VEGF及CD105关系;采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析PEG3、STMN1对NSCLC的诊断价值。结果 与癌旁组织比较,PEG3在NSCLC组织中表达降低(P <0.05),STMN1、VEGF及CD105在NSCLC组织中表达升高(P <0.05);NSCLC组织中STMN1、VEGF及CD105阳性率分别为62.50%、69.79%和72.92%,分别高于癌旁组织5.21%、10.42%和13.54%(P <0.05),NSCLC组织中PEG3阳性率为8.33%低于癌旁组织73.96%(P <0.05);不同年龄、性别及肿瘤类型NSCLC患者的PEG3及STMN1表达水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),不同TNM分期、淋巴结转移及分化程度NSCLC患者的PEG3及STMN1表达水平比较,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05);NSCLC组织的PEG3与STMN1、VEGF及CD105均呈负相关(P <0.05),NSCLC组织的STMN1与PEG3呈负相关(P <0.05),与VEGF及CD105均呈正相关(P <0.05);PEG3诊断NSCLC的曲线下面积为0.750(95%CI:0.453,0.936)、敏感性为73.66%(95%CI:0.650,0.937)、特异性为79.62%(95%CI:0.590,0.956);STMN1诊断NSCLC的曲线下面积为0.796(95%CI:0.540,0.942)、敏感性为80.30%(95%CI:0.744,0.978)、特异性为81.12%(95%CI:0.612,0.996);PEG3+STMN1联合诊断的曲线下面积为0.935(95%CI:0.753,0.995)、敏感性为92.33%(95%CI:0.751,0.930)、特异性为77.12%(95%CI:0.735,0.948)。结论 NSCLC组织PEG3降低、STMN1升高,与肺癌TNM分期、分化程度相关,其可以加快肿瘤血管生成,能够一定程度提高疾病诊断价值。