Title: Glycodelin may promote angiogenesis in vivo
Abstract: Objective: Increased levels of glycodelin are found in the late secretory phase of menstruation cycle and in the first trimester of pregnancy. Its levels are also increased in patients with endometriosis and gynecological tumors. The function of glycodelin in these physiological and pathological processes has been usually attributed to its immunosuppressive ability. We have previously reported that a peptide synthesized from the sequence of glycodelin (Gp) can induce angiogenesis in vitro and upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in cells. In this study, we used a murine model and two different peptides (Gp1 and Gp2) to elucidate the role of glycodelin on angiogenesis in vivo. Design: Controlled animal study. Materials/Methods: Athymic NCr nude mice were used to determine the effects of peptides derived from the sequence of glycodelin on angiogenesis.The experimental mice were subcutaneous injected with 35 l Matrigel together with 35 l Gp1 or Gp2 (5mg/Kg) in left flanks, and control group mice were injected 35 l Matrigel together with 35 l Hanks buffered salt solution in the same way. After one week, the undersurface of the skins in two sides was exposed and photographed for evaluation of angiogenesis. Results: The angiogenesis levels were scored between + and +++ grade according to the size of the big blood vessels, the number of the small branch blood vessels and the connection between the blood vessels. The blood vessels on the skin of control group mice (n =10) were thin and had few small branches and connection between the vessels, most belonged to + grade (70%). While the blood vessels on the skin of experimental Gp1 group mice (n=16) were bigger and with significantly increased small tortuous blood vessels and connection between blood vessels, most belonged to ++ to +++ grade (87.5%). The angiogenesis levels in the mice of experimental group Gp2 mice (n=5) mostly belonged to ++ (80%). Findings were highly consistent within each of groups. Conclusions: Findings of this study suggest that glycodelin might be angiogenic in vivo. Increased levels of glycodelin in pregnant women and in patients with endometriosis or gynecological tumors might not only afford immunosuppression but also might promote growth by stimulating neovascularization. Supported by: N/A. Table TableAngiogenesis levels in different groupsN++++++Control10730Gp116259Gp25140 Open table in a new tab