Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) was recently identified as the first tissue-specific angiogenic molecule. EG-VEGF (the gene product of PROK-1) appears to be expressed exclusively in steroid-producing organs such as the ovary, testis, adrenals and placenta. Since the human pancreatic cells retain steroidogenic activity, in the present study we ascertained whether this angiogenic factor is expressed in normal pancreas and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Tissue samples from normal males (n=5), normal females (n=5) and from surgically resected adenocarcinomas (n=2) were processed for RT-PCR and immunohistochemical studies. Results from semi-quantitative analysis by RT-PCR suggest a distinct expression level for EG-VEGF in the different tissue samples. The relative amount of EG-VEGF mRNA in pancreas was more abundant in female adenocarcinoma (0.89) followed by male adenocarcinoma (0.71), than normal female (0.64) and normal male (0.38). The expression of mRNA for EG-VEGF in normal tissue was significantly higher in females than in males. All samples examined showed specific immunostaining for EG-VEGF. In male preparations, the positive labeling was localized predominantly within the pancreatic islets while in female preparations the main staining was detected towards the exocrine portion. Specific immunolabeling was also observed in endothelial cells of pancreatic blood vessels. Our data provide evidence that the human pancreas expresses the EG-VEGF, a highly specific mitogen which regulates proliferation and differentiation of the vascular endothelium. The significance of this finding could be interpreted as either, EG-VEGF is not exclusive of endocrine organs, or the pancreas should be considered as a functional steroidogenic tissue. The extent of the expression of EG-VEGF appears to have a dimorphic pattern in normal and tumoral pancreatic tissue.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.02.006 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Antagonisation of Prokineticin Receptor-2 Attenuates Preeclampsia Symptoms.
J Cell Mol Med
January 2025
Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, IRIG-Biosanté, University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR 1292, Grenoble, France.
Preeclampsia (PE) is the most threatening pathology of human pregnancy. Placenta from PE patients releases harmful factors that contribute to the exacerbation of the disease. Among these factors is the prokineticin1 (PROK1) and its receptor, PROKR2 that we identified as a mediators of PE.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImmune Checkpoint Inhibitor Combined with Antiangiogenic Agent Synergistically Improving the Treatment Efficacy for Solid Tumors.
Immunotargets Ther
December 2024
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China.
In recent years, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with antiangiogenic agents has led to significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). Antiangiogenic therapy plays a pivotal role in normalizing blood vessels and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment while ICIs not only enhance the host's antitumor immune response by blocking negative regulatory signals but also promote vascular normalization.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe potential ameliorative effect of mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes on cerebellar histopathology and their modifying role on PI3k-mTOR signaling in rat model of autism spectrum disorder.
J Mol Histol
January 2025
Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
Article Synopsis
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental issue, and this study investigates the effects of administering MSCs-derived exosomes after birth on a rat model of ASD.
- The research involved dividing male rat pups into control, VPA (exposed to a neurotoxin), and VPA treated with exosomes, assessing changes in behavior and cerebellar structure.
- Results showed that VPA groups exhibited increased activity, social impairments, and disrupted cerebellar structure, while those treated with exosomes showed improvements in histological integrity and behaviors, supported by changes in specific signaling pathways.
A novel skin-like patch based on 3D hydrogel nanocomposite of Polydopamine/TiO nanoparticles and Ag quantum dots accelerates diabetic wound healing compared to stem cell therapy.
J Tissue Viability
December 2024
Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr ElSheikh, 33516, Egypt; Nile Valley University, Fayoum, 63518 Egypt. Electronic address:
Despite the advances in the development of therapeutic wearable wound-healing patches, lack self-healing properties and strong adhesion to diabetic skin, hindering their effectiveness. We propose a unique, wearable patch made from a 3D organo-hydrogel nanocomposite containing polydopamine, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and silver quantum dots (PDA-TiO@Ag). The designed patch exhibits ultra-stretchable, exceptional-self-healing, self-adhesive, ensuring conformal contact with the skin even during movement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTargeting angiogenic and proliferative mediators by montelukast & trimetazidine Ameliorates thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol
December 2024
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura National University, Gamasa, 7731168, Egypt.
Liver fibrosis is a significant health complication with the potential to result in serious mortality and morbidity. However, there is no standard treatment due to its complex pathogenesis. The drug montelukast reversibly and selectively antagonizes the cysteinyl-leukotrienes-1 receptor and reduces inflammation; thus, it is used in the treatment of asthma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!