VEGF-A isoform modulation in an preclinical TNBS model of ulcerative colitis: Protective effects of a VEGF164b therapy

Walter E. Cromer, Chaitanya V. Ganta, Mihir Patel, James Traylor, Christopher G. Kevil, J. S. Alexander, J. M. Mathis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease in the USA. A key component of UC is the increase in inflammatory angiogenesis of the colon during active disease. This increase is driven to a great extent by the over expression of VEGF-A. Recently, VEGF165b (VEGF164b in mouse), an anti-angiogenic form of VEGF-A was described and its regulation was determined to be disturbed in many pathologies such as cancer and pre-eclampsia. Results: The aims of this study were to examine the role of this inhibitory VEGF by expressing this molecule in a model of intestinal inflammation, and to evaluate its expression as a potential new therapeutic approach for treating UC. A modified model of TNBS colitis was used to determine the effects of rVEGF164b expression on colon inflammation. Expansion of the vascular system was assessed by immunhistochemical methods and macro- and microscopic measurements of inflammation in the colon were measured. Leukocyte invasion of the tissue was measured by myeloperoxidase assay and identification and counting of lymphoid follicles. Both angio- and lymphangiogenesis were reduced by expression of rVEGF164b, which correlated with reduction in both gross and microscopic inflammatory scores. Leukocyte invasion of the tissue was also reduced by rVEGF164b expression. Conclusions: This is the first report using an endogenous inhibitory VEGF-A isoform for therapy in a model of experimental colitis. Inhibitory VEGF molecules play an important role in maintenance of gut homeostasis and may be dysregulated in UC. The results of this study suggest that restoration of rVEGF164b expression has anti-inflammatory activity in a TNBS model and warrants further examination as a possible therapeutic for UC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number207
JournalJournal of Translational Medicine
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 11 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adenovirus
  • Angiogenesis
  • Colon
  • Inflammation
  • TNBS
  • Therapy
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • VEGF

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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