Albendazole inhibits endothelial cell migration, tube formation, vasopermeability, VEGF receptor-2 expression and suppresses retinal neovascularization in ROP model of angiogenesis.
The angiogenic process begins with the cell proliferation and migration into the primary vascular network, and leads to vascularization of previously avascular tissues and organs as well to growth and remodeling of the initially homogeneous capillary plexus to form a new microcirculation. Additionally, an increase in microvascular permeability is a crucial step in angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in angiogenesis. We have previously reported that albendazole suppresses VEGF levels and inhibits malignant ascites formation, suggesting a possible effect on angiogenesis. This study was therefore designed to investigate the antiangiogenic effect of albendazole in non-cancerous models of angiogenesis. In vitro, treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with albendazole led to inhibition of tube formation, migration, permeability and down-regulation of the VEGF type 2 receptor (VEGFR-2). In vivo albendazole profoundly inhibited hyperoxia-induced retinal angiogenesis in mice. These results provide new insights into the antiangiogenic effects of albendazole.
Pourgholami
Mohammad H
MH
University of New South Wales, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital (SESIAHS), Sydney, Australia. mh.pourgholami@unsw.edu.au
Khachigian
Levon M
LM
Fahmy
Roger G
RG
Badar
Samina
S
Wang
Lisa
L
Chu
Stephanie Wai Ling
SW
Morris
David Lawson
DL
D015766:Albendazole / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000187:drug effects*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D051379:Mice; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000166:cytology; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; D015766:Albendazole