Proof of prometastatic niche induction by hepatic stellate cells.

Background: An interaction between tumor cells and the microenvironment, as well as the development of angiogenesis, are required to form liver metastases (LMs).

Material And Methods: Immunofluorescence detection of α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, Ki67, laminin, and CD31 was used to analyze the kinetics of tumor angiogenesis determinants, especially the contribution of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to angiogenesis in hepatic metastasis produced by intrasplenically injected LS174 colorectal cancer cells. Immunostaining was performed at various times (days 9, 14, 28, and 39).

Netrin-4 overexpression suppresses primary and metastatic colorectal tumor progression.

Tumor angiogenesis is closely associated with clinical staging and has been proposed to correlate with clinical response in terms of subsequent metastases following primary resection. Netrin-4 (NT-4) regulates angiogenic responses. Therefore, we sought to examine the effects of NT-4 on the primary tumor growth of colon cancer cells, liver and lung metastases of colon cancer cells, and responses following primary tumor resection.

Ephrin-B2-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from diabetic patients restore diabetes-induced impairment of postischemic neovascularization.

We hypothesized that in vitro treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MNCs) from diabetic patients with ephrin-B2/Fc (EFNB2) improves their proangiogenic therapeutic potential in diabetic ischemic experimental models. Diabetes was induced in nude athymic mice by streptozotocin injections. At 9 weeks after hyperglycemia, 10(5) PB-MNCs from diabetic patients, pretreated by EFNB2, were intravenously injected in diabetic mice with hindlimb ischemia.

Neuropilin-1 is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and contributes to tumour growth and vascular remodelling.

Background & Aims: Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane co-receptor for semaphorins and heparin-binding pro-angiogenic cytokines, principally members of the vascular endothelial growth factor family. Recent studies revealed an important role of NRP1 in angiogenesis and malignant progression of many cancers. The role of NRP1 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not completely understood.