• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.106-114
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• 2018

Angiogenesis is the new blood vessel formation process and has known to a fundamental event of tumor growth and metastasis. Especially, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) are the crucial regulators of angiogenesis in tumor. VEGF-A is one of the VEGF family and binds to endothelial cell specific VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, which are associated with tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis. $VEGF_{121}$ is more tumorigenic isomer of VEGF-A. Targeted VEGF or VEGFR molecular imaging has been widely used to enable diagnosis and monitoring of proliferation and development of angiogenic tumors. Therefore, in this review, we have focused on the radioligands with $VEGF_{121}$ for angiogenesis of tumor.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.495-499
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• 2006

In our previous studies, we demonstrated that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) enhances bovine oocyte maturation and early embryonic development in serum supplemented media. In this experiment, to determine the synergistic effect of VEGF with serum components on early embryonic development in vitro in cattle, 1 mg/ml polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) was replaced with foetal bovine serum (FBS) in maturation and culture media. Bovine oocytes were matured in Synthetic Oviduct Fluid (SOF) supplemented with PVA, PVA+5 ng/ml of VEGF, FBS, or FBS+VEGF. Fertilized oocytes were cultured in the same conditions for 8 days. The development of embryos was examined at 48 h post- insemination and on days 6, 7 and 8. The results were analyzed using repeated measures two- factor ANOVA, in which the effects of VEGF and serum were assigned as two factors. The development rate to 4- to 8-cell embryos at 48 h was significantly higher in the PVA+VEGF group than in the PVA group (44.7% and 31.5%, respectively). However, the highest development rate to 4- to 8-cell embryos was obtained from the FBS+VEGF group (58.8%). On day 8, the blastocyst rates were higher in the PVA+VEGF (22.8%), FBS (32.1%, p<0.05) and FBS+VEGF (42.1%, p<0.05) groups than in the PVA group (17.1%). Two- factor ANOVA of the development rates indicates that VEGF had a significant effect, but had no synergistic effect with serum components on early embryonic development. The results of the present study demonstrate that VEGF improves the in vitro developmental competence of bovine oocytes and/or embryos independent of the effect of serum components.

• Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2014

Polymer multilayered hydrogels were prepared on a titanium alloy (Ti) substrate using a layer-by-layer (LBL) process to load a cell growth factor. Two water-soluble polymers were used to fabricate the multilayered hydrogels, a phospholipid polymer with both N, N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) units and 4-vinylphenylboronic acid (VPBA) units [poly(MPC-co-DMAEMA-co-VPBA) (PMDV)], and the polysaccharide alginate (ALG). PMDV interacted with ALG through a selective reaction between the VPBA units in PMDV and the hydroxyl groups in ALG and through electrostatic interactions between the DMAEMA units in PMDA and the anionic carboxyl groups in ALG. First, the Ti substrate was covered with photoreactive poly vinyl alcohol, and then the Ti alloy was alternately immersed in the respective polymer solutions to form the PMDV/ALG multilayered hydrogels. In this multilayered hydrogel, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was introduced in different layers during the LbL process under mild conditions. Release of VEGF from the multilayered hydrogels was dependent on the location; however, release continued for 2 weeks. Endothelial cells adhered to the hydrogel and proliferated, and these corresponded to the VEGF release profile from the hydrogel. We concluded that multilayered hydrogels composed of PMDV and ALG could be loaded with cell growth factors that have high activity and can control cell functions. Therefore, this system provides a cell function controllable substrate based on the controlled release of biologically active proteins.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2008

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor which compromises about 6$\sim$8% of all tumors followed by the adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and adenocarcinoma. Most deaths from salivary carcinomas are caused by recurrent or metastatic lesions that are resistant to conventional therapy. Therefore, knowledge of cellular properties and tumor-host interactions that influence the vascular metastasis is important for the design of more effective therapy of salivary carcinomas. Neoangiogenesis is essential for tumor growth, which is postulated to be fundamentally dependent on the induction of stromal neovascularization. However, how neovascularization takes place in live tissue has not been fully established, especially in recruitment and differentiation of endothelial cells in the salivary gland tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a heparin-binding, dimeric polypeptide growth factor known to exert its mitogenic activity specifically on endothelial cells. VEGF has been shown th be directly involved in angiogenesis, which in essential for the pathogenesis of many solid tumors. von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a large multimeric protein synthesized by megakaryocytes and endothelial cells that enable platelets to adhere to exposed subendothelium and, as well, to respond to changes in the blood flow. Recent studies suggest that increased levels of vWF correlate with progression of disease, metastasis, or survival time and thus may have a prognostic significance. vWF is explained as an acute phase proteins which is increased in cancer or as a result of increased endothelial cell synthesis associated with tumor-induced angiogenesis. Due to adhesive properties of vWF, its increased concentrations may also contribute metastasis of tumor. In this study, we determined the mRNA expression of VEGF and vWF in salivary ACC, MEC and pleomorphic adenoma by in situ hybridization. As a result, stronger expression of VEGF and vWF was seen in salivary ACC and MEC which has more invasive nature than the salivary benign tumor.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.4549-4553
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• 2015

Background: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide. Data from the literature indicate differences between the proliferation rate of endothelial cells relative to the morphology growth type, possibly due to origin of specimens (autopsy material, surgery fragments) or quantification methods. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a factor that stimulates the proliferation of endothelial cells. It is expressed in more than 90% of cases of metastatic CRC. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the endothelial cell proliferation and VEGF expression in primary tumors and corresponding liver metastases. Materials and Methods: Our study included 24 recent biopsies of primary tumors and corresponding liver metastases of CRC cases. CD34/Ki67 double immunostaining and RNA scope assay for VEGF were performed. Results: In the primary tumors analysis of VEGFmRNA expression indicated no significant correlation with differentiation grade, proliferative and non-proliferative vessels in the intratumoral and peritumoral areas. In contrast, in the corresponding liver metastases, VEGFmRNA expression significantly correlated with the total number of non-proliferative vessels and total number of vessels. CD34/Ki67 double immunostaining in the cases with poorly differentiated carcinoma indicated a high number of proliferating endothelial cells in the peritumoral area and a low number in the intratumoral area for the primary tumor. Moderately differentiated carcinomas of colon showed no proliferating endothelial cells in the intratumoral area in half of the cases included in the study, for both, primary tumor and liver metastasis. In well differentiated CRCs, in primary tumors, a high proliferation rate of endothelial cells in the intratumoral area and a lower proliferation rate in the peritumoral area were found. A low value was found in corresponding liver metastasis. Conclusions: The absence of proliferative endothelial cells in half of the cases for the primary tumors and liver metastases in moderately differentiated carcinoma suggest a vascular mimicry phenomenon. The mismatch between the total number of vessels and endothelial proliferation in primary tumors indicate that a functional vascular network is already formed or the existence of some mechanisms influenced by other angiogenic factors.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.271-274
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• 2015

Background: To explore vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and VEGF-D expression and its correlation with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) tissue. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical methods were applied to detect the levels of VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression in 64 surgicall removal ESCC tissues, tissues adjacent to cancer and normal tissues, and the relationship between VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression and lymph node metastasis was analyzed. Results: Both VEGF-C and VEGF-D were expressed by varying degrees in esophageal cancer tissue, the tissue adjacent to cancer and normal tissue, and the positive expression rate went down successively. The positive expression rates of VEGF-C (59.4%) and VEGF-D (43.8%) in esophageal cancer tissue were significantly higher than in the tissue adjacent to cancer (34.4%, 15.6%) and normal tissue (20.3%, 12.5%), respectively, in which significant differences were manifested (p<0.01). Positive expression rates of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in esophageal cancers with lymph node metastasis were markedly higher than without such metastasis (p<0.01), while those in the tissue with TNM staging I~II were markedly lower than that with TNM staging III~IV (p<0.01). Conclusions: Both VEGF-C and VEGF-D are highly expressed in ESCC tissue, which may be related to the lymph node metastasis of cancer cells. Hence, VEGF-C and VEGF-D can be clinically considered as important reference indexes of lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6357-6362
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• 2012

Background: To determine the prevalence of mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation (p-mTOR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and any correlation with clinical characteristics and prognosis in ovarian clear cell carcinoma patients. Materials and Method: Seventy four paraffin-embedded specimens of such carcinomas frompatients who underwent surgery, received adjuvant chemotherapy and were followed up at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital during January 2002 to December 2008 were stained with rabbit monoclonal IgG p-mTOR and rabbit polyclonal IgG VEGF using immunohistochemical methods. Medical records were reviewed and clinical variables were analysed. Results: The prevalence of positive p-mTOR in ovarian clear cell carcinoma was 87.9% and significantly higher in advance-stage than early-stage patients (100% versus 83.6%, P<0.05). Two-year disease free survival and 2-year overall survival in patients with positive p-mTOR expression were 60% and 69.2% with no differences from patients with negative p-mTOR expression (p>0.05). The prevalence of VEGF expression was 63.5% and significantly higher in chemo-sensitive than chemo-resistant patients (70.7% versus 37.5%, P<0.05). Two-year disease free survival and 2-year overall survival in patients with VEGF expression were 72.3% and 83% respectively which were significantly different from patients with negative VEGF expression (p<0.05). Conclusions: p-mTOR expression in ovarian clear cell carcinoma was significantly correlated with the stage of disease. VEGF expression was significantly correlated with chemosensitivity, and survival. Further studies of related targeted therapy might be promising.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.181-194
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• 2006

Objective : Author evaluate the effects of Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium for the bronchial asthma using assesment of the vascular endothelial growth factor after Citri Reticulatae Viride Peicarpium was intravenously administered Ovalbumine(OVA)-sensitized and -challenged mice. Material and Methods : Twenty-four female mice, 8-10 weeks old and free of murine specific pathogens, were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA. Of the sensitized mice, ten mice didn't administrate Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium and the other ten mice administrated Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium. Mice were sensitized on the first and fourteen days introspectional injection of 20 ${\mu}g$ OVA. After$21^{st}\;22^{th}\;and\;23^{rd}$, the initial sensitization, the mice were challenged for 30 minutes with an aerosol of 1% OVA in saline. Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium administered 200mg/kg in the tail of the mouse, one a day, for 7 days and beginning 14 days after first sensitization. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed 72 hours after the last challenge, and total cell numbers in the BAL fluid were count. Also, lever of VEGF in the BAL fluid was measured by Enzyme immunoassays and Western blot analysis. Results: Total cell numbers in BAL fluid were significantly greater than from 72 hrs after OVA inhalation compared with cell numbers in the control group. However, there was no difference of the total cell numbers between OVA-challenge groups without Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium, and OVA-challenge with Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium. Enzyme immunoassay revealed that VEGF levels in the BAL fluids were significantly increased 72 hrs after OVA inhalation compared with levels in the control group. After administration of the Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpiu, the levels of the VEGF in BAL fluids 72 hrs after OVA inhalation reduced dramatically. Western blot analysis revealed that VEGF protein levels were increased in the all mice which were challenge with OVA, without administered Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium, compared the normal mouse. However, in the groups of the administered Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium, the VEGF protein level markedly decreased. Conclusion: Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium might affect the treatment of the bronchial ashma as a inhibition of the VEGF.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.128-131
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• 2007

Tumor angiogenesis is a critical step f3r the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most important angiogenic molecule associated with tumor-induced neovascularization. VEGF exerts its activity through binding to its receptor tyrosine kinase, KDR/Flk-1, expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. This study was carried out to investigate inhibitory effect of extracts from root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews on VEGF binding to VEGF receptor. The MeOH extract from P. suffrutiocosa Andr. inhibited the binding of KDR/Flk-1-Fc to immobilized VEGF$_{165}$ more than 45% at the concentration of 100 ${\mu}$g/mL. The MeOH extract was further fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-BuOH, and aqueous fractions. Among the four fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction from the root cortex of P. suffruticosa Andr. exhibited highly effective inhibition (${\approx}$ 79% inhibition) and then n-BuOH fraction (${\approx}$ 45% inhibition) on the binding of KDR/Flk-1-Fc to immobilized VEGF$_{165}$ at the concentration of 100 ${\mu}$g/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction from the root cortex of P. suffruticosa Andr. more efficiently blocked VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation, than the growth of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma. Our results suggest that P. suffruticosa Andr. may be used as a candidate fur developing anti-angiogenic agent.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.193-201
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• 2006

Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of head and neck(SCCHN) is the sixth most common human malignant tumor. However, despite advances in prevention and treatment of SCC, the five-year survival rates for patients remain still low. To improve the outcome for patients with SCCHN, novel treatment strategies are needed. Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor(EGF) and activation of its receptor(EGFR) are associated with progressive growth of SCCHN. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) signaling molecules are related with neoangiogenesis and vascular metastasis of SCC. In this study, we determined the therapeutic effect of AEE788(Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland), which is a dual inhibitor of EGFR/ErbB2 and VEGFR tyrosine kinases, on human oral SCC. At first, we screened the expression of EGFR, c-ErbB2(HER-2) and VEGFR-2 in a series of human oral SCC cell lines. And then we evaluated the effects of AEE788 on the phosphorylation of EGFR and VEGFR-2 in a oral SCC cell line expressing EGFR/HER-2 and VEGFR-2. We also evaluated the effects of AEE788 alone, or with paclitaxel(Taxol) on the oral SCC cell growth and apoptosis. As a result, all oral SCC cells expressed EGFR and VEGFR-2. Treatment of oral SCC cells with AEE788 led to dose-dependent inhibition of EGFR and VEGFR-2 phosphorylation, growth inhibition, and induction of apoptosis. Moreover, AEE788 sensitizes the cells to paclitaxel-mediated toxicity and apoptosis. These data mean EGFR and VEGFR-2 can be reliable targets for molecular therapy of oral SCC, and therefore warrant clinical use of EGFR/VEGFR inhibition in the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic oral SCC.