Stem Cell Week

New angiogenesis study results reported from University of Bristol

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"One wound was covered with collagen containing 2 X 10(4) CD133(+) or CD133(+) cells or vehicle. The contralateral wound, covered with only collagen, served as control. Fetal CD133(+) cells expressed high levels of wingless (Wnt) genes, which were downregulated following differentiation into CD133(+) cells along with upregulation of Wnt antagonists secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP)-1, -3, and -4. CD133(+) cells accelerated wound closure as compared with CD133(-) or vehicle and promoted angiogenesis through stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival by paracrine effects. CD133(+) cells secreted high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and interleukin (IL)-8. Consistently, CD133(+) CCM accelerated wound closure and reparative angiogenesis, with this action abrogated by coadministering the Wnt antagonist sFRP-1 or neutralizing antibodies against VEGF-A or IL-8. In vitro, these effects were recapitulated following exposure of high-glucose-primed human umbilical vein endothelial cells to CD133(+) CCM, resulting in stimulation of migration, angiogenesis-like network formation and induction of Wnt expression. The promigratory and proangiogenic effect of CD133(+) CCM was blunted by sFRP-1, as well as antibodies against VEGF-A or IL-8. CD133(+) cells stimulate wound healing by paracrine mechanisms that activate Wnt signaling pathway in recipients," wrote L.S. Barcelos and colleagues, University of Bristol.

The researchers concluded: "These preclinical findings open new perspectives for the cure of diabetic ulcers. (Circ Res. 2009;104:1095-1102.)'."

Barcelos and colleagues published their study in Circulation Research (Human CD133(+) Progenitor Cells Promote the Healing of Diabetic Ischemic Ulcers by Paracrine Stimulation of Angiogenesis and Activation of Wnt Signaling. Circulation Research, 2009;104(9):1095-U199).

For additional information, contact P. Madeddu, University of Bristol, Bristol Heart Institute, Dept. of Clinic Science S Bristol, Upper Maudlin St., Bristol BS2 8HW, Avon, UK.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Circulation Research is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: United Kingdom, Bristol, Angiogenesis, Angiology, Cell Proliferation, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Ischemia, Oncology, Progenitor Cell, Stem Cell Research, Tumor Vascularization, University of Bristol.

This article was prepared by Stem Cell Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Stem Cell Week via NewsRx.com.