Angiogenesis cytokines accelerate endothelial-like cell differentiation

01-18-2007

"In vitro differentiation of endothelial cells has potential applications in vascular tissue engineering and cell-based therapy for many diseases. The objective of this study was to develop a new strategy that utilizes cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to accelerate endothelial-like cell differentiation from peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes," investigators in the United States report.

"Peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes were purified with immunobeads and cultured with an angiogenic growth factor-rich growth medium (EGM-2) with or without initial treatment of LPS in combination of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) for 4 days (the day 4 cultures)," said R.X. Zhang and colleagues, Baylor College of Medicine.

"The cells were then continuously cultured in EGM-2 medium for an additional 4 or 10 days (the day 8 or day 14 cultures). Cell markers were determined by flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Cytokine/chemokine profile was studied by Bio-Plex immunoassay."

According to researchers, "In the group of initial treatment of LPS in combination with GM-CSF, IL-4, and EGM-2, the majority of suspended CD14+ monocytes were attached and changed their morphology to endothelial-like cells, which expressed high levels of endothelial cell markers CD31, von Willebrand factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 as well as 2 major endothelial tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and occludin in the day 8 cultures."

"Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was substantially increased. Endothelial-like cells were also able to uptake acetylated low-density lipoprotein and bind to Ulex europeus lectin."

"In addition, endothelial-like cells showed a unique cytokine/chemokine profile with substantial increases of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta, IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and IL-8," researchers said.

The team concluded, "Initial treatment of LPS in combination with GM-CSF, IL-4, and EGM-2 is an effective strategy for acceleration of endothelial-like cell differentiation from peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes in vitro."

Zhang and colleagues published their study in Experimental Hematology (Acceleration of endothelial-like cell differentiation from CD14+ monocytes in vitro. Exp Hematol, 2005;33(12):1554-1563).

For additional information, contact C.Y. Chen, Baylor College Med, Michael E. DeBakey Dept. Surgery, Molecular Surgery Research Center, Dept. Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Division Vascular & Endovasc Th, 1 Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop, NAB 2010, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

This article was prepared by Angiogenesis Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Angiogenesis Weekly via NewsRx.com.