Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), the endogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), regulates tumor invasion by modulating the activity of MMP-2. In addition, TIMP-2 is involved in the direct regulation of cell growth and angiogenesis, independent of MMP inhibition. Therefore, the development of therapeutic agents that increase TIMP-2 levels may offer a novel and broad approach to anti-neoplastic therapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease affecting preterm neonates, is associated with significant childhood and adult health problems. Histopathologic features of BPD include impaired vascular and distal airway development. We previously showed that activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) by inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing proteins (PHDs) is feasible and that it stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent angiogenesis in vitro.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol
October 2006
Development of lung microvasculature is critical for distal airway formation. Both processes are arrested in the lungs of preterm newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic form of lung disease. We hypothesized that activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) augments lung vascular development.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPreterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) often develop a chronic form of lung disease called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), characterized by decreased alveolar and vascular development. Ventilator treatment with supraphysiological O2 concentrations (hyperoxia) contribute to the development of BPD. Hyperoxia down-regulates and hypoxia up-regulates many angiogenic factors in the developing lung.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe cancer chemopreventive activity of green tea and its major polyphenolic constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) have been attributed to its antioxidant, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects. Several new molecular targets for EGCG's anticarcinogenic activity have been proposed in the recent literature. However, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of EGCG's activity in vivo have been confounded by its low oral bioavailability and low plasma levels.
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