Opposite effects of WEB2086 on angiogenesis in atheromas and ischemic hindlimb of apoE gene deficient mice

Background Our previous research has suggested that platelet activating factor receptor was related to atherosclerosis. The present study investigated the effect of a platelet activating factor receptor antagonist- WEB2086 on angiogenesis in aortal plaque and ischemic hindlimb of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Methods Eight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were fed with a 0.15% cholesterol diet to develop advanced lesions. At age 32 weeks unilateral hindlimb ischemia was surgically induced and the mice were divided into two groups： with or without WEB2086 mixed with their drinking water （4.3 mg in 100 ml）. At age 40 weeks blood was collected from the orbit for measurement of serum lipids and an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine platelet activating factor and oxidized low density lipoprotein in the gastrocnemius and aorta. Whole-Mount CD31 stain and plaque-associated sprouting have been used to estimate angiogenesis in plaque from the aorta and laser Doppler perfusion imaging and immunohistochemical expression of von Willebrand factor have been used to estimate angiogenesis in ischemic hindlimb. Results The lipid composition of serum was not different between the groups. However, the amount of platelet activating factor and oxidized low density lipoprotein detected in the aorta was significantly higher than that in the gastrocnemius of ischemic hindlimb. The ratio of lesion to aorta levels was significantly reduced by administration of WEB2086, （31.52±6.18）% vs （55.58±8.34）%, P〈0.01. The mean density of intimal capillaries in atherosclerotic plaque, （31.13±9.20）% vs （57.74±11.28）%, P〈0.01, and the mean number of sprouts per aorta were significantly reduced, 183.92±34.17 vs 392.54±76.79, P〈0.01, in the WEB2086 group. Blood flow （0.85±0.12 vs 0.45±0.06, P〈0.01） and capillary density of ischemic hindlimb （1.18±0.17 vs 0.53±0.09, P〈0.01） were markedly increased in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice treated with WEB2086 versus controls. Conclusion The study provides evidence that WEB2086 can inhibit angiogenesis in atherosclerotic plaque but promote it in ischemic hindlimb.

Effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule (血府逐瘀胶囊) on Angiogenesis in Hindlimb Ischemic Rats

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule(血府逐瘀胶囊,XZC)on pro-angiogenesis in the hindlimb ischemic model rats.Methods:A total of 100 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a model group,a regular-dose XZC group(0.48 g·kg^-1·d^-1)and a high-dose XZC group(0.96 g·kg^-1·d^-1)using random number table method.The model of hindlimb ischemic rats were made through femoral artery embolization with Bletilla microsphere age nt.XZC were give n on the first day after embolization surgery and lasted 5 days.Finally 72 models were obtained with 12 in each group for each time point.The lower Ischemic limb was amputated on the third day after embolization surgery.Histopathological characters and the number of blood vessels of granulation tissues were observed at 36 and 48 h after amputation,respectively.The main genes were obtained from microarray analysis and were validated using real-time quarttitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:The vascular number of granulation tissues at both 36 and 48 h were characterized by new and fresh vessels.The number of angiogenesis in the high-dose XZC group at 36 and 48 h was greater compared with that in the regular-dose XZC and model groups(P<0.01),and high-dose XZC at 36 h increased more vessels than that at 48 h(P<0.01).Consequently,granulation tissues from the high-dose XZC group at 36 h were chosen for microarray analysis.In all,2,085 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were detected and 25 DEGs were determined to be directly related to an giogenesis.Four biological process terms were found including an giogenesis,regulati on of an gioge nesis,positive regulati on of an giogenesis,and positive regulation of vascular end othelial growth factor receptor sign aling pathway(P<0.05).Microarray an alysis also showed 49 pathways including 11 pathways related to an giogenesis.Conclusion:XZC promoted angiogenesis moderately and the mechanism invoIved multiple DEGs and multiple pathways.

A biomaterial-based therapy for lower limb ischemia using Sr/Si bioactive hydrogel that inhibits skeletal muscle necrosis and enhances angiogenesis

Muscle necrosis and angiogenesis are two major challenges in the treatment of lower-limb ischemic diseases.In this study,a triple-functional Sr/Si-containing bioceramic/alginate composite hydrogel with simultaneous bioactivity in enhancing angiogenesis,regulating inflammation,and inhibiting muscle necrosis was designed to treat lower-limb ischemic diseases.In particular,sodium alginate,calcium silicate and strontium carbonate were used to prepare injectable hydrogels,which was gelled within 10 min.More importantly,this composite hydrogel sustainedly releases bioactive Sr^(2+)and SiO_(3)^(2-) ions within 28 days.The biological activity of the bioactive ions released from the hydrogels was verified on HUVECs,SMCs,C2C12 and Raw 264.7 cells in vitro,and the therapeutic effect of the hydrogel was confirmed using C57BL/6 mouse model of femoral artery ligation in vivo.The results showed that the composite hydrogel stimulated angiogenesis,developed new collateral capillaries,and re-established the blood supply.In addition,the bioactive hydrogel directly promoted the expression of muscle-regulating factors(MyoG and MyoD)to protect skeletal muscle from necrosis,inhibited M1 polarization,and promoted M2 polarization of macrophages to reduce inflammation,thereby protecting skeletal muscle cells and indirectly promoting vascularization.Our results indicate that these bioceramic/alginate composite bioactive hydrogels are effective biomaterials for treating hindlimb ischemia and suggest that biomaterial-based approaches may have remarkable potential in treating ischemic diseases.