Induction of endothelial cell expression of granulocyte and macrophage colony-stimulating factors by modified low-density lipoproteins
Article Abstract:
Low-density lipoproteins have been identified in atherosclerotic plaques which have an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. Treatment of endothelial cells (cells which line the blood vessels) with altered lipoproteins stimulates the production of chemotactic (movement of cells in response to chemical stimulus) factors which bind with monocytes (a type of white blood cell that is involved in the immune response). Monocytes and macrophages (tissue monocytes which engulf and destroy foreign organisms) accumulate in the artery wall during the early stages of atherosclerotic lesion development. Treatment of endothelial cells with low-density lipoproteins that have been modified by oxidation results in the expression of growth factors such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF), macrophage-CSF, and granulocyte-CSF. These growth factors are involved in the stimulation of growth, maturation, survival, migration, and metabolism of monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes (other white blood cells). Granulocyte-CSF and granulocyte-macrophage-CSF also are involved in the migration and growth of endothelial cells. Since both macrophages and endothelial cells are involved in the development of atherosclerosis, the expression of these growth factors can contribute to the development of disease. This study shows a link between the metabolism of lipoproteins and growth factor expression by cells in the artery wall which leads to the proliferation of endothelial cells and the accumulation of macrophages. Macrophages produce other factors that can affect smooth muscle growth. All of these processes are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Synthetic analogues of fumagillin that inhibit angiogenesis and suppress tumour growth
Article Abstract:
The growth and development of blood vessels occur in various diseases such as retinopathy (an eye disorder) in diabetics, hemangiomas (tumors of the blood vessels), arthritis, and psoriasis (a skin disorder characterized by thick, red patchy, dry, and scaly areas). The development of blood vessels is also necessary for the growth of tumors. Fumagillin, an antibiotic made by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, was shown to inhibit growth of endothelial cells (cells that line blood vessels) and to inhibit the growth of blood vessels that are stimulated by the presence of tumors in the body. Fumagillin was also shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in mice. However, the drug could not be used for long periods because it caused severe weight loss in the mice. Molecules similar to fumagillin were synthesized in the laboratory. Some analogues inhibited the growth and development of blood vessels, suppressed the growth of many types of tumors, and had few side effects when given in large doses; the molecules were named angioinhibins. These analogues may be developed as therapeutics for treating cancer and other diseases involving the growth of blood vessels. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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The scattered jigsaw
Article Abstract:
F. Bladt and colleagues' research concerning the scatter factor in mouse embryos lacking the transmembrane protein c-met supported the biological functions of the scatter factor presented in Petri dish observations. The factor appears to be involved in the morphogenesis of the liver, kidney and mammary glands among others while inducing the detachment of muscle precursor cells from somite edges. The factor is strongly expressed until ductal differentiation when levels being to drop. Though Bladt's research is informative about scatter factor's involvement but further research is still necessary.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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