Angiogenic activity of endothelial progenitor cells through angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2

Angiogenesis is a regulated process involving the proliferation, migration, and remodeling of different cell types particularly mature endothelial cells and recently discovered progenitor cells, named as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Up to now, many attempts have been made to understand the dynamic balance of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors on EPCs on different milieu. It has been accepted that Ang-1, -2 and Tie-1, -2 signaling play a key role on angiogenesis pathways in endothelial lineage cells. In the current experiment, the angiogenic/angio-modulatory potency of Ang-1 and -2 was investigated on isolated EPCs. Freshly isolated EPCs were exposed to different concentrations of Ang-1 and -2 (25 and 50?ng/ml) over a course of 7 and 14 days. Corroborating to our results, a superior effect of Ang-1 on angiogenic properties, including an increased concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor, in vitro tubulogenesis, EPC migratory, Tie-2 expression and clonogenicity, was determined. A large amount of positive mature endothelium markers was achieved in EPCs being-exposed to Ang-1 peptide. Nonetheless, the number of CD133 positive cells increased in the presence of Ang-2. Collectively, we conclude that Ang-1 potentially induces functional and mature vascular-like behavior in EPCs more than Ang-2.     

FOXO3a过表达对内皮祖细胞周期相关蛋白的调控

目的:观察FOXO3a(forkhead box O3a)的活性改变对内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs)增殖和细胞周期相关蛋白表达的影响。方法:将携带突变激活FOXO3a基因的腺病毒载体Ad-TM(triple mutant)-FOXO3a和阴性对照腺病毒载体Ad-GFP体外感染人脐血来源的EPCs。观察EPCs形态学改变,CCK-8分析转染后EPCs增殖情况,Western blot检测FOXO3a蛋白、细胞周期相关蛋白p27kip1以及CDK2的表达水平。结果:构建了的2种腺病毒相关载体被成功转染。形态学改变方面,Ad-TM-FOXO3a组EPCs细胞生长缓慢,集落不明显;Western blot和CCK-8结果显示,Ad-TM-FOXO3a转染组与阴性对照组相比,EPCs增殖被抑制,FOXO3a与p27kip1蛋白过表达,CDK2表达下调。结论:FOXO3a可能通过上调p27kip1蛋白表达,下调CDK2表达,以抑制EPCs增殖。     

Characteristics of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells in aged mice

Evidence for dysfunction of endothelial repair in aged mice was sought by studying the pattern of induced differentiation, quantity, and function of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in aged mice. The CD117-positive stem cell population was separated from bone marrow by magnetic activated cell-sorting system (MACS), and EPCs were defined by demonstrating the expression of CD117+CD34+Flk-1+ by flow cytometry. After 7 days of culture, the number of clones formed was counted, and proliferation and migration of EPCs were analyzed by MTT[3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay and modified Boyden chamber assay. The results demonstrated that compared to the control group, the quantity of bone marrow-derived CD117+ stem cells and EPCs, as well as the proliferation, migration, the number of clones formed, and phagocytotic function of EPCs were significantly reduced in aged mice. There were no significant differences in the morphology and induced differentiation pattern of EPCs between the aged mouse group and the control group. Authors suggest that the dysfunction of EPCs may serve as a surrogate parameter of vascular function in old mice.     

剪切应力环境下的内皮祖细胞对肝星状细胞增殖和生物功能的影响

目的：研究流体剪切应力条件下的内皮祖细胞（EPCs）对肝星状细胞（HSCs）增殖、粘附、迁移、凋亡等生物学功能以及成纤维化因子α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）、胶原I （Col-I）、胶原III （Col-III）表达的影响。方法：将HSCs与EPCs分别接种于共培养小室的上层和下层,共培养24 h后,给EPCs细胞施加12 dyne/cm²剪切应力,持续24 h。消化细胞,采用CCK-8法检测HSCs的增殖;流式细胞术检测HSCs的凋亡率;细胞贴壁法检测HSCs的粘附功能;Boyden小室检测HSCs的迁移;荧光定量PCR法及Western blot分别检测HSCs的α-SMA、Col-I、Col-III mRNA和蛋白质的表达情况。结果：在剪切应力条件下,EPCs生态小境能明显抑制HSCs的增殖、粘附和迁移能力,促进HSCs凋亡,下调HSCs中Col-I、Col-III mRNA和蛋白质的表达。结论：在剪切应力条件下,EPCs生态小境对HSCs纤维化的发展具有一定抑制作用。     

Endothelial progenitor cells: Characterization, <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> expansion,and prospects for autologous cell therapy

Injection of hematopoietic stem cells or endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) expanded ex vivo has been shown to augment neovascularization in adult patients, but the precise origin and identity of the cell population responsible for these clinical benefits are controversial. The limited quantity of EPCs in the circulation has been the main obstacle to clinical trials. Several authors have therefore attempted to expand these cells ex vivo in order to obtain a homogeneous cell therapy product. One possible means of expanding EPCs ex vivo is to activate the thrombin receptor PAR-1 with the specific peptide SFLLRN. Indeed, PAR-1 activation promotes cell proliferation and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) dependent migration and differentiation, with an overall angiogenic effect. This review summarizes the results and rationale of clinical trials of angiogenic therapy, the nature of EPCs, the different methods of ex vivo expansion, and current methods of quantification.     

Role of integrin-linked kinase for functional capacity of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are down-regulated in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a signal and adaptor protein that regulates survival of mature endothelial cells and vascular development.Here we show that EPC dysfunction in patients with CAD is paralleled by down-regulation of ILK while restoration of ILK expression rescues the migratory defect of CAD-EPCs. Human EPCs transduced with dominant-negative ILK (DN-ILK) display significantly reduced expression of CD34⁺/VEGFR-2⁺, DiI-Ac-LDL uptake, and Ulex europaeus lectin binding. Mechanistically, DN-ILK-transfected EPCs are characterized by decreased proliferation, while proliferation is increased in wild-type ILK-transfected EPCs. These effects are paralleled by changes in cyclin D1 expression, colony forming units, and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Functionally, ILK is necessary and sufficient for SDF-1-triggered migration and adhesion in EPCs.These data extend current knowledge about the role of ILK in EPC biology and implicate ILK as a therapeutic target in CAD.     

In vitro interactions between rat bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells and hepatic stellate cells

Transplantation of bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been reported to improve liver fibrosis, but there is no direct evidence for the mechanism of improvement. We investigated the mechanism in vitro by coculturing BM-derived EPCs with activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to mimic the hepatic environment. EPCs and HSCs were cultured alone and indirectly cocultured at a 1:1 ratio in a Transwell system. The characteristics of HSCs and EPCs were examined at different time points. An invasion assay showed the time-dependent effect on degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) layer in EPCs cultured alone. Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis revealed that EPCs served as a source of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-9 expression levels significantly increased during the 2 d of coculture. CFSE labeling showed that EPCs inhibited proliferation of HSCs. Annexin-V/PI staining, erminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase X-dUTP nick end labeling analysis, and (cleaved) caspase-3 activity revealed that EPCs promoted HSC apoptosis. However, the proliferation and apoptosis of EPCs were unaffected by cocultured HSCs. Coculturing increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in EPCs, promoted differentiation of EPCs, and reduced the expression of types I and III collagens and transforming growth factor beta 1. Knockdown of HGF expression attenuated EPC-induced activation of HSC apoptosis and profibrotic ability. These findings demonstrated that BM-derived EPCs could degrade ECM, promoting activated HSC apoptosis, suppressing proliferation and profibrotic ability of activated HSCs. HGF secretion by EPCs plays a key role in inducing activated HSC apoptosis and HSC profibrotic ability.     

Monotropein promotes angiogenesis and inhibits oxidative stress‐induced autophagy in endothelial progenitor cells to accelerate wound healing

Attenuating oxidative stress‐induced damage and promoting endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) differentiation are critical for ischaemic injuries. We suggested monotropein (Mtp), a bioactive constituent used in traditional Chinese medicine, can inhibit oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and stimulate bone marrow‐derived EPC (BM‐EPC) differentiation. Results showed Mtp significantly elevated migration and tube formation of BM‐EPCs and prevented tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)‐induced programmed cell death through apoptosis and autophagy by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species release and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, which may be mediated viamTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 and AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, Mtp accelerated wound healing in rats, as indicated by reduced healing times, decreased macrophage infiltration and increased blood vessel formation. In summary, Mtp promoted mobilization and differentiation of BM‐EPCs and protected against apoptosis and autophagy by suppressing the AMPK/mTOR pathway, improving wound healing in vivo. This study revealed that Mtp is a potential therapeutic for endothelial injury‐related wounds.     

FOX03a过表达对内皮祖细胞周期相关蛋白的调控

目的：观察FOXO3a（forkhead box O3a）的活性改变对内皮祖细胞（endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs）增殖和细胞周期相关蛋白表达的影响。方法：将携带突变激活FOXO3a基因的腺病毒载体Ad-TM（triple mutant）-FOXO3a和阴性对照腺病毒载体Ad-GFP体外感染人脐血来源的EPCs。观察EPCs形态学改变,CCK-8分析转染后EPCs增殖情况,Western blot检测FOXO3a蛋白、细胞周期相关蛋白p27^kip1以及CDK2的表达水平。结果：构建了的2种腺病毒相关载体被成功转染。形态学改变方面,Ad-TM—FOXO3a组EPCs细胞生长缓慢,集落不明显;Westem blot和CCK-8结果显示,Ad-TM—FOXO3a转染组与阴性对照组相比,EPCs增殖被抑制,FOXO3a与p27^kip1蛋白过表达,CDK2表达下调。结论：FOXO3a可能通过上调p27kip1蛋白表达,下调CDK2表达,以抑制EPCs增殖。     

Concomitant overexpression of triple antioxidant enzymes selectively increases circulating endothelial progenitor cells in mice with limb ischaemia

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a group of heterogeneous cells in bone marrow (BM) and blood. Ischaemia increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that regulates EPC number and function. The present study was conducted to determine if ischaemia‐induced ROS differentially regulated individual EPC subpopulations using a mouse model concomitantly overexpressing superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD3 and glutathione peroxidase. Limb ischaemia was induced by femoral artery ligation in male transgenic mice with their wild‐type littermate as control. BM and blood cells were collected for EPCs analysis and mononuclear cell intracellular ROS production, apoptosis and proliferation at baseline, day 3 and day 21 after ischaemia. Cells positive for c‐Kit⁺/CD31⁺ or Sca‐1⁺/Flk‐1⁺ or CD34⁺/CD133⁺ or CD34⁺/Flk‐1⁺ were identified as EPCs. ischaemia significantly increased ROS production and cell apoptosis and decreased proliferation of circulating and BM mononuclear cells and increased BM and circulating EPCs levels. Overexpression of triple antioxidant enzymes effectively prevented ischaemia‐induced ROS production with significantly decreased cell apoptosis and preserved proliferation and significantly increased circulating EPCs level without significant changes in BM EPC populations, associated with enhanced recovery of blood flow and function of the ischemic limb. These data suggested that ischaemia‐induced ROS was differentially involved in the regulation of circulating EPC population.     

Effects of osteopontin on functional activity of late endothelial progenitor cells

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of osteopontin (OPN) on functional activity of late endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Total mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from human umbilical cord blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and then the cells were plated on fibronectin‐coated culture plates. Late EPCs were positive for both 1,1‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3,3‐tetramethylindocarbocyanine‐labeled acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (DiI‐acLDL) and fluorescein‐isothiocyanate‐conjugated Ulex europaeus agglutinin lectin (UEA‐1). Expression of von Willbrand factor (vWF) and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining. Late EPCs of 3–5 passages were treated for 24 h with OPN (to make a series of final concentration: 0.005 µg/ml, 0.01 µg/ml, 0.05 µg/ml, 0.5 µg/ml, 2.5 µg/ml), or vehicle control. The proliferation, migration, and in vitro vasculogenesis activity of late EPCs were assayed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, modified Boyden chamber assay and an in vitro angiogenesis assay, respectively. Late EPCs adhesion assay was performed by replating cells on fibronectin‐coated plates, and then adherent cells were counted. Incubation with OPN dose‐dependently inhibited the proliferative, adhesive, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity and increased migratory activity of late EPCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1730–1736, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

VEGF和SDF-1 的协同作用对内皮祖细胞增殖与迁移的影响

目的:研究血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和基质衍生因子-1(SDF-1)的协同作用对高血压脑出血患者内皮祖细胞(EPCs)增殖迁移能力的影响。方法:采集急性期高血压脑出血患者与健康对照的外周静脉血,分离培养外周血中的EPCs。用分别含有不同VEGF与SDF-1的培养基处理患者外周血分离的EPCs,Western blot检测各组细胞以及患者和对照中VEGF和SDF-1的蛋白表达。MTT法检测细胞增值能力,Transwell法检测细胞迁移能力,分别转染VEGF-si RNA与SDF-1-si RNA至各组细胞观察抑制VEGF和SDF-1对EPCs增殖迁移能力的影响。结果:VEGF和SDF-1在患者中的表达显著高于健康对照组。VEGF和SDF-1对EPCs的增殖和迁移能力有促进作用,且在其协同作用下效果显著。抑制VEGF或SDF-1显著降低VEGF和SDF-1对EPCs增殖迁移能力的促进作用。结论:VEGF和SDF-1的协同作可促进急性期高血压脑出血患者EPCs的细胞增殖能力和迁移能力,对患者血管修复提供新的治疗方向。     

Effects of plant lectin and extracts on adhesion molecules of endothelial progenitors

Promise of cell therapy has advanced the use of adult stem cells towards the development of novel approaches to promote regeneration of injured endothelium. The aim of this study was to stimulate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with lectin isolated from Solanum tuberosum (potato) shoot and Calendula officinalis (marigold) extracts, in order to increase EPCs proliferation and gene expression of molecules with roles in chemotaxis and adhesion for a better attachment to injured vascular tissue. EPCs were differentiated from umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells and characterized by light microscopy, flow cytometry, and vascular tube-like structures formation on Matrigel. Cell proliferation was determined by MTS assay, and gene expression of molecules involved in EPCs adhesion (VCAM-1, VE-cadherin, ICAM-1, PECAM-1, P-selectin) and chemotaxis was determined (CXCR4, Tie-2) by RT-PCR. For the assessment of cell motility, wound-healing assay was employed. Both potato shoot lectin and marigold extracts stimulated EPCs proliferation in a concentration dependent manner and were able to increase expression of adhesion and chemotactic molecules. Marigold flower extract proved to be more efficient. This study demonstrates the usefulness of potato lectin and marigold extracts to increase EPCs proliferation and modulate gene expression of chemotactic and adhesion molecules, which may facilitate EPCs attachment to injured endothelium.     

Lung microvascular endothelium is enriched with progenitor cells that exhibit vasculogenic capacity

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been isolated postnatally from bone marrow, blood, and both the intima and adventitia of conduit vessels. However, it is unknown whether EPCs can be isolated from the lung microcirculation. Thus we sought to determine whether the microvasculature possesses EPCs capable of de novo vasculogenesis. Rat pulmonary artery (PAEC) and microvascular (PMVEC) endothelial cells were isolated and selected by using a single-cell clonogenic assay. Whereas the majority of PAECs (approximately 60%) were fully differentiated, the majority of PMVECs (approximately 75%) divided, with approximately 50% of the single cells giving rise to large colonies (>2,000 cells/colony). These highly proliferative cells exhibited the capacity to reconstitute the entire proliferative hierarchy of PMVECs, unveiling the existence of resident microvascular endothelial progenitor cells (RMEPCs). RMEPCs expressed endothelial cell markers (CD31, CD144, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and von Willenbrand factor) and progenitor cell antigens (CD34 and CD309) but did not express the leukocyte marker CD45. Consistent with their origin, RMEPCs interacted with Griffonia simplicifolia and displayed restrictive barrier properties. In vitro and in vivo Matrigel assays revealed that RMEPCs possess vasculogenic capacity, forming ultrastructurally normal de novo vessels. Thus the pulmonary microcirculation is enriched with EPCs that display vasculogenic competence while maintaining functional endothelial microvascular specificity.     

他汀类药物对外周血内皮祖细胞的影响

本文旨在探讨他汀类药物氟伐他汀对外周血内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs)数量和功能的影响.用密度梯度离心从外周血获取单个核细胞,将其接种在人纤维连接蛋白(human fibronectin)包被的培养板中,培养7 d后,收集贴壁细胞,加入不同浓度氟伐他汀(分别为0.01、0.1、1、10μmol/L)和辛伐他汀(1 μmol/L),培养一定的时间(6、12、24、48 h).用激光共聚焦显微镜鉴定FITC-UEA-I和DiI-acLDL双染色阳性细胞为正在分化的EPCs,用流式细胞仪检测其表面标志进一步鉴定EPCs,在倒置荧光显微镜下计数.采用MTT比色法、改良的Boyden小室、粘附能力测定实验和体外血管生成试剂盒观察EPCs的增殖能力、迁移能力、粘附能力和体外血管生成能力.结果显示,氟伐他汀可显著增加外周血EPCs的数量,并且EPCs数量随氟伐他汀浓度增加及作用时间延长而增加,1 μmol/L浓度氟伐他汀作用24h对EPCs的数量影响最为显著(较对照组增加15倍,P＜0.05).在动物实验中,喂养氟伐他汀3周后,大鼠的EPCs也较对照组增加2倍(P＜0.05),进一步支持了体外实验的结果.氟伐他汀和辛伐他汀也显著改善外周血EPCs的粘附能力、迁移能力、增殖能力和体外血管生成的能力,相同浓度的氟伐他汀和辛伐他汀(1 μmol/L)对EPCs数量和功能的影响并无显著差异.上述观察结果提示他汀类药物可增加EPCs的数量,改善EPCs功能.     

Rosuvastatin stimulates clonogenic potential and anti‐inflammatory properties of endothelial progenitor cells

EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) exert vasculoprotective effects and can be used for regenerative therapies. However, several isolation protocols have been described, with inconsistent results. Statins are among the most effective compounds that stimulate EPC numbers in vivo and ex vivo. We aim to describe the effects of rosuvastatin on different subtypes of putative EPCs. EPCs were cultured from mononuclear cells of blood donors and isolated according to three protocols: CFU‐EC (colony forming units‐endothelial cells), early (or ‘monocytic’) EPCs and late outgrown EPCs. Rosuvastatin (0.1–100 nM) was added at the beginning of culture (T0) or after the initial adhesion step (T1). Polarization of monocytic EPCs was assessed as expression of proinflammatory M1 markers (CD68 and CCR2) or anti‐inflammatory M2 markers (CX3CR1, CD163, CD206). We found that 1 nM rosuvastatin increased the number of CFU‐EC and late EPCs by about 3‐fold, while lower concentrations had no significant effects. Rosuvastatin (0.1 nM) increased AcLDL⁺Lectin⁺ early EPCs by about 60%, while higher concentrations exerted inhibitory effects on early EPCs. Addition of rosuvastatin at T0 was more effective in stimulating CFU‐EC and early EPCs, while addition at T1 was more effective in stimulating late EPCs. Rosuvastatin had no effects on proliferation rate of CFU‐EC, early EPCs and late EPCs. We also found that 0.1 nM rosuvastatin reduced the M1/M2 ratio in early EPCs, which retain monocytic features. In conclusion, we show that rosuvastatin had significant stimulatory effects on EPCs irrespective of the culture protocol. Rosuvastatin also induced anti‐inflammatory polarization of monocytic EPCs.     

Regulation of plasticity and biological features of endothelial progenitor cells by MSC-derived SDF-1

Bone marrow (BM) is a source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). MSCs provide a specific niche in the BM and biological features of EPCs may be changed with this niche. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) secreted from primary BM-MSCs and biological features of this niche on EPC development are still yet to be understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of SDF-1 produced by MSCs on EPC development. We applied the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the knock-out of the SDF-1 gene in BM-derived MSCs. BM-derived EPCs were then cocultured with MSCs^SDF-1−/− or MSCs^SDF-1+/+ to identify the role of MSC-derived SDF-1α on proliferation, migration and angiogenic activity of EPCs. Next, pre-expanded EPCs were harvested and co-transplanted with MSCs^SDF-1−/− or MSCs^SDF-1+/+ into sublethally irradiated mice to analyze the potency of these cells for marrow reconstitution. Our results revealed that proliferation, colony formation, migration and angiogenic activity of EPCs was significantly increased after coculture with MSCs^SDF-1+/+. We also found that co-transplantation of EPCs with MSCs^SDF-1+/+, in contrast to MSCs^SDF-1−/−, into irradiated mice resulted in marrow repopulation and hematologic recovery, leading to improved survival of transplanted mice. In conclusions, MSC-derived SDF-1 niche plays an important role in the development of EPCs and this niche is essential for bone marrow repopulation by these cells and can enhance the efficiency of EPC therapy for ischemic diseases.     

溶瘤腺病毒转染内皮祖细胞抑制肺腺癌的研究

目的:利用溶瘤腺病毒CNHK500体外转染内皮祖细胞,评估其在体外对肺腺癌细胞的特异性杀伤作用。方法:通过溶瘤腺病毒CNHK500转染内皮祖细胞,构建携带CNHK500的内皮祖细胞,并将内皮祖细胞和CNHK500分为三组,即CNHK500组,转染CNHK500的内皮祖细胞组和内皮祖细胞组,分别感染肺腺腺癌细胞A549,用MTT法检测不同肺腺癌细胞A549的生长抑制情况。结果:成功的分离并培养、鉴定内皮祖细胞,并完成CNHK500对内皮祖细胞的转染,CNHK500滴度为2.0×107 pfu/m L,其中CNHK500组肺腺癌细胞A549的存活率为(75.54±5.46)%,转染CNHK500的EPCs组肺腺癌细胞A549的存活率为(80.81±3.69)%,EPCs组肺腺癌细胞A549的存活率为(98.13±2.98)%。结论:本实验首次成功的将CNHK500转染内皮祖细胞,并应用于肺腺癌细胞的生长抑制中,这将有助于为肺腺癌的生物治疗提供一个崭新的策略。     

Decursin inhibits vasculogenesis in early tumor progression by suppression of endothelial progenitor cell differentiation and function

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to the tumor vasculature during tumor progression. Decursin isolated from the herb Angelica gigas is known to possess potent anti‐inflammatory activities. Recently, we reported that decursin is a novel candidate for an angiogenesis inhibitor [Jung et al., 2009 ]. In this study, we investigated whether decursin regulates EPC differentiation and function to inhibit tumor vasculogenesis. We isolated AC133+ cells from human cord blood and decursin significantly decreased the number of EPC colony forming units of human cord blood‐derived AC133+ cells that produce functional EPC progenies. Decursin dose‐dependently decreased the cell number of EPC committing cells as demonstrated by EPC expansion studies. Decursin inhibited EPC differentiation from progenitor cells into spindle‐shaped EPC colonies. Additionally, decursin inhibited proliferation and migration of early EPCs isolated from mouse bone marrow. Furthermore, decursin suppressed expression of angiopoietin‐2, angiopoietin receptor Tie‐2, Flk‐1 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in mouse BM derived EPCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Decursin suppressed tube formation ability of EPCs in collaboration with HUVEC. Decursin (4 mg/kg) inhibited tumor‐induced mobilization of circulating EPCs (CD34 + /VEGFR‐2+ cells) from bone marrow and early incorporation of Dil‐Ac‐LDL‐labeled or green fluorescent protein (GFP)+ EPCs into neovessels of xenograft Lewis lung carcinoma tumors in wild‐type‐ or bone‐marrow‐transplanted mice. Accordingly, decursin attenuated EPC‐derived endothelial cells in neovessels of Lewis lung carcinoma tumor masses grown in mice. Together, decursin likely affects EPC differentiation and function, thereby inhibiting tumor vasculogenesis in early tumorigenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1478–1487, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effects of urotensin II on functional activity of late endothelial progenitor cells

Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoactive cyclic peptide which has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the effects of UII on late endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are still unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether UII influences the functional activity of late EPCs. Late EPCs were isolated from human umbilical cord blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and treated with UII (10(-10), 10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7) and 10(-6)M), or vehicle control. Expression of urotensin II receptor (UT) in late EPCs was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence staining. Late EPCs proliferation, migration and in vitro vasculogenesis activity were assayed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, transwell chamber assay, and matrigel tube formation assay. Late EPCs adhesive assay was performed by replating cells on fibronectin-coated dishes, and then adherent cells were counted. Incubation with UII increased the migratory, adhesive and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity and inhibited the proliferative activity of late EPCs. Furthermore, these UII-mediated effects on late EPCs were attenuated by pretreatment with the UT antagonist urantide. These findings indicate that UII may exert multiple effects on functional activity of late EPCs through UT.