Combined inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, but not inhibition of VEGF alone, effectively suppresses angiogenesis and vessel maturation in endometriotic lesions

Abstract

Vascularization of endometriotic lesions is not solely driven by VEGF, but depends on the cross-talk between VEGF, FGF and PDGF. Thus, the combined inhibition of these growth factors may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of endometriosis.

The gonadotropins: Tissue-specific angiogenic factors?

“…Blockade with a selective VEGF inhibitor resulted in a slight reduction of microvessel density when compared to control animals. The application of an inhibitor of VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor angiogenesis was significantly suppressed in the hamster model (Laschke et al, 2005).…”

Intravital microscopy in a dorsal skinfold chamber: hemodynamics, tumor angiogenesis and inflammation

“…Interestingly, this vascularization is not solely driven by VEGF, but depends on the cross-talk between VEGF, fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, suggesting that the combined inhibition of these growth factors is a more effective regimen for the anti-angiogenic treatment of endometriosis. 43 Recently, the successful treatment of tumor angiogesis in mice by curcumin has been reported. 12 …”

Novel Therapies Targeting Endometriosis

“…46,47 However, other factors such as angiopoietins, fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factors, and interleukin 8 (IL-8) exert more complex effects and can either stimulate or inhibit the process of angiogenesis. [48][49][50] Interestingly, peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis is highly angiogenic. [51][52][53] In addition to these classic angiogenic agents, TF, the key initiator of the hemostatic cascade, 54 mediates angiogenesis using a variety of distinct intracellular signaling pathways.…”