Angiogenesis of endocrine gland tumours--new molecular targets in diagnostics and therapy

Abstract

Angiogenesis is one of the key stages in the development of neoplastic tumours, in which a small group of mutated cells transforms into a large malignant tumour metastasising to the neighbouring tissues and organs. The studies on the significance of neoangiogenesis in the progression of endocrine gland neoplasms have recently become one of the most rapidly evolving branches of molecular endocrinology. The induction of angiogenesis has been demonstrated to result from the imbalance between positive and negative factors which control this process. Our paper presents the results of current studies on the role of factors such as molecular markers of angiogenesis (e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor), metalloproteinases (which regulate the decomposition of the extracellular matrix) and their inhibitors, and adhesive molecules (e.g. soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1) in the pathogenesis and diagnostics of endocrine gland tumours in humans. Also, we discuss new therapeutic strategies for inhibiting the growth of neoplasms by blocking the formation of blood vessels using angiogenesis antagonists, which inhibit various stages of angiogenesis. More and more data are being accumulated suggesting that these preparations could, in the near future, be used in the pharmacotherapy of some endocrine gland neoplasms.

Serum endostatin levels are elevated and correlate with serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with pituitary adenomas

“…Higher vascular densities were found in very rare pituitary carcinomas compared with adenomas. Similar findings concerned VEGF expression shown by immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization in a cohort of pituitary tumors [for review see18,19]. Low microvascular density or inhibition of angiogenesis may be at least a Serum VEGF levels in patients with gonadotropinomas (GON) and non-gonadotropinomas(NON-GON).…”

Effect of thalidomide affecting VEGF secretion, cell migration, adhesion and capillary tube formation of human endothelial EA.hy 926 cells

“…More than 40 years ago, Folkman et al (1963) described the occurrence of abnormal neovascularization during the formation and growth of solid neoplastic tumors. Therefore, this process is essential for normal tissue repair or remodeling and also for tumor cell proliferation, extracellular matrix invasion, and metastasis formation (Folkman, 1995(Folkman, , 2002Gasparini, 1999;Hanahan, 1999;Liekens et al, 2001;Stepien et al, 2002;Jiang et al, 1997;Komorowski et al, 2002;Pasieka et al, 2003). Pathologic excessive vascularization is also noted in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic retinopathy (Folkman, 1995(Folkman, , 2002.…”

“…Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen proved to play a key role in neovascularization (Folkman, 2002;Stepien et al, 2002;Pasieka et al, 2003;Ferrara, 2000;Lawnicka et al, 2000). Angiogenesis critically depends on several conditions, for example, the activated endothelial cells must proliferate to provide the necessary number of cells for the growing vessels Jiang et al, 1997Jiang et al, , 2000.…”

Osteopontin and Endostatin Concentrations in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Adrenal Tumors Undergoing Unilateral Adrenalectomy

“…The induction of neoangiogenesis in the progression of endocrine gland neoplasms has been demonstrated to be the result of an imbalance between positive and negative factors which control this process [8]. END has been recognized as a pivotal anti-angiogenic factor, and it has received a great deal of attention for its potential use as an angiogenesis inhibitor capable of reducing the blood supply necessary for the maintenance and growth of tumors [1,9].…”