Angiogênese é o termo utilizado para descrever o crescimento de novos vasos sanguíneos a partir dos já existentes. Vários estudos demonstraram a densidade microvascular (DMV) como um fator prognóstico nas leucemias, em particular, leucemia promielocítica aguda (LPA). Este subtipo de leucemia corresponde a cerca de 20 a 25% das leucemias mielóides agudas nos países latino-americanos e apresenta características clínicas, morfológicas e biológicas peculiares. A halofuginona (HF), originalmente descrita como um agente antifúngico apresenta capacidade de inibir o crescimento tumoral e formação de vasos em modelos animais de tumores sólidos. Estudos realizados por nosso grupo demonstraram que a HF inibiu a secreção do VEGF e a proliferação de linhagens celulares de LPA. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo determinar o potencial antiproliferativo e antiangiogênico da HF em um modelo experimental in vivo da LPA e avaliar os mecanismos subjacentes a sua ação. Primeiramente, a análise do ciclo celular em células NB4 tratadas com HF apresentou significativa diminuição da proliferação celular (2,093 ± 0,304 vs. 41,21 ± 3,25), juntamente com um aumento significativo da apoptose (12,53 ± 1,53 vs. 21,95 ± 0,79; p=0,0007). Por meio da técnica de Real Time Array foi possível identificar dois grupos de genes associados a apoptose celular diferencialmente expressos em células tratadas com HF: TNF, TNFRSF9, TNFTSF10B, CD40, FAS, CASP10, CASP8 e CASP3, sugerindo que a HF induz a via extrínseca de apoptose. A análise in vivo da HF foi realizada em camundongos NOD/SCID previamente irradiados e transplantados com células leucêmicas PML-RAR murinas. Camundongos tratados com HF, por 21 dias após o transplante não apresentaram remissão molecular, determinada pela amplificação do gene PML-RARA por PCR, porém foi observada menor infiltração leucêmica em relação aos camundongos não tratados (Leucócitos: 4,2 ± 3,89 vs. 20,6 ± 21,9; p<0.0001); Hemoglobina: 12,0 ± 1,40 vs. 9,6 ± 1,67; p<0.0001; e Plaquetas: 932,0 ± 122,5 vs. 552,0 ± 83,2; p<0.001 respectivamente) e um menor peso relativo do baço (0,006 vs. 0,012, p=0,0415). Ademais, a contagem diferencial e imunofenotipagem da medula óssea evidenciaram menor porcentagem de células mielóides imaturas (16,88 ± 6,27 vs. 44,06 ± 27,06). A HF também foi capaz de inibir a fosforilação de SMAD2 e consequentemente bloquear a via do TGF- em células NB4. No entanto, animais leucêmicos apresentaram menor nível sérico de TGF- em relação aos saudáveis e tratados (475,58 vs. 1.378,45/1.146,82 pg/mL; p<0,0001), sugerindo que o blasto leucêmico produz esta citocina e a diminuição de células leucêmicas resultou em diminuição dos níveis séricos de TGF-. A HF não aumentou a sobrevida dos animais leucêmicos e a elevação das enzimas hepáticas sugeriu que o tratamento foi hepatotóxico. Por fim, com relação à angiogênese, a análise da expressão gênica mostrou que o tratamento com HF inibiu a expressão de VEGF e EGF e o estudo por imunohistoquímica de seções da medula óssea evidenciou menor expressão VEGF (30 vs. 80%, p=0,0227), porém não houve diminuição da DMV. O conjunto desses resultados mostrou que a angiogênese é um importante alvo terapêutico na LPA, e que apesar da toxicidade, a HF apresenta potencial antileucêmico, tanto por conta de seus efeitos antiproliferativos e próapoptóticos, quanto por sua capacidade de inibir a produção de fatores próangiogênicos. / Angiogenesis is the term used to describe the growth of new blood vessels from the existing ones. Several studies have demonstrated the microvascular density (MVD) as a prognostic factor in leukemia, particularly acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This subtype of leukemia corresponds to 20-25% of acute myeloid leukemia in Latin America and presents clinical, morphological and biological peculiar characteristics. The halofuginone (HF) originally described as an antifungal agent has ability to inhibit tumor growth and vessel formation in animal models of solid tumors. Our group demonstrated that HF inhibits the VEGF secretion and cell proliferation in APL cell lineages. Thus, this study aimed to determine the antiproliferative and antiangiogenic potential of HF in an experimental model of APL in vivo and evaluate the mechanisms underlying its action. First, the cell cycle analysis in NB4 cells treated with HF showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation (2.093 ± 0.304 vs. 41.21 ± 3.25), along with a significant increase in apoptosis (12.53 ± 1.53 vs . 21.95 ± 0.79, p = 0.0007). Through Real Time Array it was possible to identify two groups of apoptosis associated genes differentially expressed in HF treated cells: TNF, TNFRSF9, TNFTSF10B, CD40, FAS, CASP10, CASP8 and CASP3, suggesting that HF induces apoptosis by extrinsic pathway. In vivo analysis of HF was performed in irradiated NOD/SCID mice transplanted with murine PML-RAR leukemic cells. Mice treated with HF for 21 days after transplantation showed no molecular remission as determined by amplification of PML-RARA gene by PCR, however minor leukemic infiltration was observed compared to untreated mice (leukocytes: 4.2 ± 3.89 vs . 20.6 ± 21.9, p <0.0001), hemoglobin: 12.0 ± 1.40 vs. 9.6 ± 1.67, p <0.0001, and Platelets: 932.0 ± 122.5 vs. 552.0 ± 83.2, p <0.001 respectively) and a lower relative weight of spleen (0.006 vs. 0.012, p = 0.0415). Furthermore, the differential count and immunophenotyping of bone marrow showed a lower percentage of immature myeloid cells (16.88 ± 6.27 vs. 44.06 ± 27.06). The HF was also able to inhibit the SMAD2 phosphorylation and consequently block the TGF- pathway in NB4 cells. However, leukemic animals presented lower serum TGF- compared to the healthy and treated (475.58 vs. 1378.45/1146.82 pg / mL, p <0.0001), suggesting that the leukemic blasts produces this cytokines and the decrease in leukemic cells resulted in decreased serum levels of TGF-. The HF did not increase the survival of leukemic animals and elevated liver enzymes suggested that the treatment was hepatotoxic. Finally, regarding angiogenesis, gene expression analysis showed that the HF treatment inhibited the expression of VEGF and EGF and the study by immunohistochemistry of sections of bone marrow showed less VEGF expression (30 vs. 80%, p = 0 0227), but there was no decrease in the MVD. Taken together, these results showed that angiogenesis is an important therapeutic target in APL, and despite the toxicity, HF has antileukemic potential, for both the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects, and also for its ability to inhibit the production of proangiogenic factors.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influência da aplicação de bevacizumab (Avastin®) sobre a angiogênese corneal. Para tanto ratos Wistar, machos, com idade entre 8 e 10 semanas, pesando 300 a 350g, foram submetidos a cauterização química com nitrato de prata por 10 segundos. Após realização da lesão, cada grupo de 5 animais foi tratado com injeções subconjuntivais de 0,02 ml de bevacizumab (Avastin ®) pela via subconjuntival no momento da lesão, no 3° e 5° dia e submetidos à eutanásia ao 7° dia após cauterização corneal. A rede vascular neoformada foi quantificada após preenchimento do leito vascular com Tinta da China e análise das imagens em sistema computadorizado (Image Pro-Plus®). Para a segunda etapa do experimento, avaliou-se a atividade das metaloproteinases MMP-2 e MMP-9 utilizando-se do mesmo modelo de angiogênese e dos mesmos tempos de tratamento. Transcorridos 7 dias de lesão corneal os animais foram eutanasiados e suas córneas submetidas a zimografia. Os resultados mostraram haver uma inibição da angiogênese quando se compara o grupo controle aos grupos tratados nos diferentes períodos de tempo. Quando a densidade vascular é comparada entre os tempos de aplicação, não se observa diferença estatisticamente significante. Estes resultados em conjunto indicam que o tempo de aplicação não influencia a inibição da angiogênese e que o bevacizumab foi eficiente na redução da formação de vasos quando se compara a densidade vascular do grupo controle. O modelo experimental produziu considerável aumento das metaloproteinases MMP-2 e MMP-9. Houve uma tendência a diminuição da atividade das MMPs quando bevacizumab foi aplicado no momento da lesão e quando foi aplicado ao 3° dia após cauterização. A atividade das MMPs mostrou-se aumentada quando o tratamento foi realizado no 5° dia. Desta forma pode-se concluir que o bevacizumab foi capaz de inibir a angiogênese corneal, independentemente do período de tratamento e ainda que houve uma tendência a redução da atividade das MMPs carecendo, por enquanto, de mais investigações que possam elucidar a interação deste fármaco com a inibição de sua atividade. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the use of the subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (Avastin®) on angiogenesis and metalloproteinases activities in the rat cornea after cauterization. Wistar male rats, aging 8 to 10 weeks, were used. The animals were divided in four groups: control group (GC) that received subconjunctivally 0,02 ml of 0,9% saline solution; group GO that received subconjunctivally 0,02 ml of bevacizumab just after the lesion; group G3 that received bevacizumab at day 3 after lesion and G5 that received bevacizumab at day 5 after lesion. The animals were euthanized at day 7 after lesion. The new formed vessels were quantified after the China Ink perfusion and photographs were obtained and analyzed in computadorized system (Image Pro-Plus®). The activities of metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated by zimography in a pool of corneas obtained from animals submitted to the same model and treatment schedule. The results showed an inhibition of angiogesenis when the control group were compared with all treated groups. There were no statistic differences when vascular density was compared between the treated groups. These results may indicate that bevacizumab was able to inhibit corneal angiogenesis and that there was no influence of the injection day. This angiogenesis model promoted an increase of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Zymography also showed a slight reduction in matrix metalloproteinases activity when bevacizumab were administrated at the injury moment and most significant at day 3. At day 5 zymography showed an increase of the activity of these metalloproteinases. Together these results may indicate that the subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab may have a therapeutic potential as an antiangiogenic agent and that matrix metalloproteinases activity decreased, but not at significant levels, demanding more investigations regarding to the interaction of bevacizumab and activity of matrix metalloproteinases.

As células T regulatórias (Tregs) suprimem a população de células T efetoras e podem capacitar células tumorais a evadir a resposta imune do hospedeiro. Além disso, estas células têm sido correlacionadas com angiogênese em alguns tipos de câncer. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência de células Tregs e sua correlação com angiogênese em carcinomas espinocelulares (CEC) de boca. Amostras de um total de 61 pacientes com CEC de boca, localizados no lábio e na língua e assoalho bucal obtidos dos Departamentos de Patologia dos Hospitais de Base e Estadual da cidade de Bauru, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 2005 a 2012 foram analisados quanto às características clínicas e demográficas. Avaliou-se também, o índice histopatológico de malignidade e a expressão imunoistoquímica de células Tregs (FOXP-3), densidade microvascular intratumoral (MVD) e VEGF-A. A associação da marcação do anticorpo anti-FOXP-3 e as variáveis clínicas e microscópicas foram avaliadas através do teste qui quadrado. A análise estatística da expressão dos marcadores entre CECs de lábio e CECs de Língua e assoalho bucal foi realizada através do teste t. As correlações entre a frequência de células Treg e MVD, células Tregs e VEGF-A, foram obtidas através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, bem como a correlação entre MVD e VEGF-A. Não houve associação da expressão de FOXP-3 com as características clínicas, demográficas e índice de malignidade tumoral. Foram observados valores similares da frequência de células Tregs, índices de MVD e expressão de VEGF-A em CECs de lábio e CECs de língua e assoalho bucal. Uma correlação positiva entre a frequência de células Tregs e a MVD foi observada, embora não estatisticamente significativa (P-valor=0,682). Além disso, uma correlação positiva estatisticamente significativa foi detectada entre a frequência de células Tregs e a expressão de VEGF-A (P-valor=0,029). Não foi observada correlação entre a MVD e a expressão de VEGF-A. Estes resultados sugerem que embora exista uma associação entre a frequência de células Tregs e a angiogênese em CECs de boca, a expressão de FOXP-3 parece não estar associada ao desenvolvimento tumoral. / Regulatory T (Treg) cells suppress effector T-cell populations and can enable tumor cells to evade the host immune response. Moreover, Tregs cells have been correlated with angiogenesis in certain types of cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Treg cells and its correlation with angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), as well as its implication on growth and tumor aggressiveness. Samples from a total of 61 patients with OSCC, located on the lip and tongue and floor of the mouth were analyzed for clinical and demographic characteristics. The histopathological malignancy index and immunoexpression of Treg cells (FOXP-3), IMD (CD105) and VEGF-A were also evaluated. The association of FOXP-3 expression and the clinical and microscopic changes were evaluated using the chi square test. Statistical analysis of the expression of markers between SCCs lip and SCCs of the tongue and floor of the mouth was performed using the t test. Pearsons rank correlation was performed to evaluate the correlation between the frequencies of both, Tregs cells and VEGF-A expression and Tregs cells and IMD determinations, as well as between VEGF-A expression and IMD values. There was no association of FOXP-3 expression with clinical and demographic characteristics, and tumor malignancy index. Similar values were observed for the frequency of Treg cells, IMD values and VEGF-A expression in OSCCs of the lip and tongue and floor of mouth. A positive correlation between FOXP-3 expression with IMD values was also detected, however, statistically that was non-significant (P-value=0.682). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between the frequency of tumor-infiltrating Tregs with VEGF-A expression (P-value=0.029). No correlation was observed between IMD values and with VEGF-A expression. These results suggest that although there is an association between the frequency of Treg cells and angiogenesis in OSCC, FOXP-3 expression was not associated with increased tumor aggressiveness.

O reconhecimento de subtipos de carcinomas mamários baseados em suas características moleculares trouxe novas perspectivas na investigação do câncer de mama. Algumas proteínas chaves reguladoras da angiogênese e da infiltração tumoral foram avaliadas em carcinomas de mama de fenótipo basal (CK5+). Foi realizado estudo Imunoistoquímico com 14 anticorpos primários em 100 casos de carcinoma ductal. A positividade para citoqueratina 5 correlacionou-se com indicadores de mau prognóstico, incluindo idade precoce, alto grau histológico, linfonodos positivos, estádio patológico avançado, negatividade para receptores hormonais, e uma alta taxa de proliferação celular, avaliado pelo Ki67. A positividade para a CK5 também se correlacionou com a expressão do VEGF, mas não com a densidade da microvascularização. Considerando que a superexpressão de VEGF pelas células neoplásicas da mama leva a um aumento da atividade proliferativa in vitro independente de seu efeito angiogênico, a expressão diferencial do VEFG pode contribuir para o comportamento mais agressivo da neoplasia. Houve correlação do CK5 com TIMP1, mas não com MMP1, MMP2, EMMPRIN, TIMP2 and PAI, indicando que o estimulo antiproteolítico pode ser preponderante nesta neoplasia. / The recognition of subtypes of breast carcinomas based on their molecular features has brought new perspectives in breast cancer investigation. Some key regulators of angiogenesis and tumor infiltration were evaluated in breast carcinomas of basal-phenotype (CK5+). Immunohistochemistry with 14 primary antibodies was performed in 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of invasive ductal carcinomas. Cytokeratin 5 correlated with indicators of poor outcome, including precocious age, high histological grade, lymph node positivity, advanced pathological stage, negativity for hormonal receptors, and a high proliferative rate (Ki67 labeled index). CK5 also correlated with VEGF expression but not with the microvessel density. Considering that VEGF overexpressing neoplastic mammary cells display increased proliferative activity in vitro regardless its angiogenic effect, the differential expression of VEGF may contribute for the more aggressive behavior of these neoplasms. CK5 correlated with TIMP1, but not MMP1, MMP2, EMMPRIN, TIMP2 and PAI, indicating that anti-proteolytic stimuli may be preponderant in these neoplasms.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden einige Aspekte der Angiogenese unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Wachstumsfaktors Angiogenin untersucht. In der Sektion I der Arbeit wird ein standardisiertes Tiermodell in der Ratte vorgestellt, das die Wirkung angiogenetischer Faktoren zur Stimulierung der Angiogenese in ischämischen Geweben quantitativ erfaßt. Damit wurde ein in vivo Modell geschaffen, das die quantitative Beurteilung der therapeutischen Effekte von lokal applizierten Wachstumsfaktoren zur indirekten Revaskularisation ischämischer Gewebe erlaubt. Bereits 1,9 ng des Wachstumsfaktors Angiogenin, lokal appliziert, stimulierten 07 Tage nach Ischämieinduktion die Angiogenese signifikant. Gesamtgefäßanzahl und Kapillaren pro mm 2 waren nach Angiogeningabe signifikant höher. Langzeitbeobachtungen bis 70 Tage nach Ischämieinduktion zeigten, daß die Regulation der Angiogenese einer gedämpften sinusförmigen Schwingung entspricht, deren Amplitude und Frequenz durch Angiogeninapplikation im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen deutlich gesteigert wurde. Dieser Trend ließ sich abgeschwächt auch bei alleiniger lokaler Applikation von Collagen I ohne Gabe eines Wachstumsfaktors nachweisen. Bei dem Vergleich der Dosis-Wirkungsbeziehung von Angiogenin und basischem Fibroblasten-Wachstumsfaktor (bFGF) erwies sich Angiogenin zur Stimulation der indirekten Revaskularisation 2,5-mal potenter. 10 ng Angiogenin stimulierten signifikant die Angiogenese 07 Tage nach Applikation. 250 ng bFGF und 100 ng Angiogenin stimulierten jeweils hoch signifikant die Gefäßneubildung. Der initiale angiogenetische Effekt von bFGF und Angiogenin beruht auf der Neubildung haupt-sächlich von Kapillaren. In der Sektion II wird eine Methode zur Beschichtung kleinkalibriger Gefäßprothesen mit Wachstumsfaktoren beschrieben und ein Tiermodell in White New Zealand Kaninchen zur Testung der Offenheitsrate der Gefäßprothesen in vivo vorgestellt. Die "patency rate" der im-plantierten 5 cm langen und im Durchmesser 2 mm messenden PTFE-Prothesen war auch mit angiogenetischer Beschichtung für klinische Zwecke nicht ausreichend. Offenheitsraten von 24 Stunden wurden mit der kombinierten angiogenetischen Beschichtung der Prothesen mit 1 µg bFGF und 285 µg Angiogenin erreicht. Alle anderen Beschichtungen zeigten eine wesentlich kürzere Offenheitsrate. Prothesen mit alleiniger Angiogeninbeschichtung (285 µg) blieben 8 Stunden offen. Prothesen mit alleiniger Beschichtung mit bFGF (1 µg) waren bereits nach 6 Stunden verschlossen. Die schlechteste Offenheitsrate mit nur 2 Stunden bzw. nur 1 Stunde wiesen die nur mit Heparin (100 E) bzw. nur mit Gelatine beschichteten Prothesen auf. Die Verwendung des Matrixfaktors Gelatine als Träger der Angiogenesefaktoren zur Beschichtung der Prothesen war aufgrund seiner hohen Thrombogenität hauptsächlich für die schlechte Offenheitsrate verantwortlich. In der Sektion III wird eine Methode zur Herstellung modifizierten Angiogenins vorgestellt. Durch Phosphorylierung der Aminosäure Serin im Angiogeninmolekül durch Proteinkinase C, ließ sich ein weniger kationisches Angiogenin in vitro herstellen, daß im alkalischen Milieu (bei pH 8) instabil war. Mit der Phosphorylierung durch Proteinkinase C ließen sich Phosphorylie-rungsraten für Angiogenin von bis zu 49 % erzielen. Höhere Phosphorylierungs-raten wurden mit der Proteinkinase C bei der Phosphorylierung von Histon V S mit über 50 % und von bFGF mit 84 % erzielt. Die spezifische Aktivität der Proteinkinase C betrug 2,7 µmol/min/mg bei Histon V S als Substrat. Die Michaelis-Konstanten wurden für Angiogenin mit km = 50 µM, für bFGF mit km = 3,3 µM und für Histon V S mit km = 10,0 µM be-stimmt. Die maximale Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit lag dabei für die Phosphorylierung von Angiogenin bei vmax = 120 pmol/min/mg, von bFGF bei vmax = 100 pmol/min/mg und von Histon V S bei vmax = 66,7 nmol/min/mg. Die im Abschnitt 3 formulierten Fragen 1 12 lassen sich zusammenfassend wie folgt beantworten: 1. Ist die Wirkung angiogenetischer Faktoren in einem standardisierten Tiermodell quantifizierbar? Ja. Das an männlichen Lewis Inzuchtratten standardisierte Tiermodell erlaubt die quantitative Untersuchung der angiogenetischen Potenz von Wachstumsfaktoren zur indirekten Revaskularisierung ischämischer Gewebe in vivo. 2. Welche Langzeitwirkung hat Angiogenin in vivo bei der Revaskularisierung ischämischer Gewebe im standardisierten Tiermodell? Die initiale Stimulation der Angiogenese 07 14 Tage nach Applikation von Angiogenin besteht in der Neubildung von Kapillaren. Im weiteren Verlauf tritt die Zunahme der Prä-kapillaren in den Vordergrund. 3. Über welchen Zeitraum lassen sich im standardisierten Tiermodell in vivo angiogenetische Effekte von lokal appliziertem Angiogenin nachweisen? 1,9 ng Angiogenin stimulierten die Angiogenese 07 Tage nach Applikation signifikant (p £ 0,05). Bis 70 Tage nach der Gabe von Angiogenin war im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen eine Stimulation der Angiogenese erkennbar. 4. Gibt es für die angiogenetische Wirkung von Angiogenin und bFGF in vivo eine Dosis-Wirkungsbeziehung? Ja. Im vorliegenden Tiermodell betrug die optimale Dosis zur Stimulation der Angiogenese für bFGF 250 ng. Für Angiogenin lag die optimale Dosis zwischen 10 und 100 ng. 5. Sind Angiogenin und bFGF in ihrer angiogenetischen Potenz gleich? Wenn nicht, worin unterscheiden sie sich? Angiogenin erwies sich als 2,5-mal stärker gefäßneubildend als bFGF im vorliegenden Tiermodell. Beide Wachstumsfaktoren stimulierten in optimaler Dosis die Angiogenese 07 Tage nach Ischämieinduktion hoch signifikant (P < 0,002). Der initiale Effekt beider Wachstumsfaktoren bestand in einer Stimulierung der Neubildung von Kapillaren. 6. Lassen sich die angiogenetische Wirkung von bFGF und Angiogenin zur indirekten Vaskularisierung nutzen? Die Anwendung von rekombinantem humanem Angiogenin und bFGF wies für beide Wachstumsfaktoren eine ausgeprägte Stimulation der indirekten Revaskularisation im verwendeten Tiermodell nach. Eine gleichartige, jedoch möglicherweise nicht gleich starke Reaktion ist bei der Anwendung dieser humanen Wachstumsfaktoren am Menschen zu er-warten. Ein Ausnutzen der angiogenetischen Potenz dieser Faktoren zur gezielten therapeutischen Stimulation der indirekten Revaskularisation beim Menschen, z. B. bei Durchblutungsstörungen des Herzens oder anderer Körperregionen erscheint sinnvoll und vielversprechend. 7. Sind angiogenetische Faktoren, insbesondere Angiogenin und bFGF allein oder in Kombination zur Verbesserung der Biokompatibilität schmallumiger synthetischer, nicht biologischer Gefäßprothesen geeignet? Bei insgesamt für klinische Zwecke noch unbefriedigender Offenheitsrate der angiogenetisch beschichteten PTFE-Prothesen mit einem Durchmesser von 2 mm war eindeutig zu erkennen, daß die Kombination von Angiogenin und bFGF der alleinigen Beschichtung mit nur einem Wachstumsfaktor oder nur mit Heparin überlegen ist. 8. Ist mit angiogenetisch beschichteten Gefäßprothesen eine Endothelialisierung der Prothese in vivo und in situ möglich? Die erzielten Resultate mit angiogenetisch beschichteten Gefäßprothesen ließen keine in vivo/in situ Endothelialisierung an den implantierten Prothesen aufgrund der schlechten Offenheitsrate von maximal 24 Stunden nachweisen. Weitere Untersuchungen mit weniger thrombogenen Matrixfaktoren in der Kombination auch mit anderen Wachstumsfaktoren werden sicher neue Erkenntnisse bringen. 9. Ist die Modifizierung des Angiogeninmoleküls durch Phosphorylierung mit Proteinkinase C in vitro möglich? Ja. Proteinkinase C war in einem optimierten Phosphorylierungsansatz unter Verwendung ihrer Stimulatoren Ca 2+ , Phosphatidylserin und Diolein in der Lage Angiogenin mit einer Effektivität von bis zu 50 % in vitro zu phosphorylieren. 10. Mit welchen Methoden läßt sich phosphoryliertes Angiogenin nachweisen? Mit der SDS-PAGE ist bei Verwendung von (g-32 P)ATP als Phosphatdonator der Phos-phorylierungsreaktion phosphoryliertes Angiogenin als 32 P-Angiogenin qualitativ und quantitativ nachweisbar. 11. Welche Methoden sind geeignet phosphoryliertes Angiogenin zu isolieren und zu reinigen? Zur Separation von niedermolekularen Verunreinigungen und von überschüssigem Phosphor sind für präparative Zwecke die SEPHADEX G25 Molekularsiebsäulenzentrifugation und die CENTRICON 10 Membranfilterzentrifugation geeignet. Mit der sauren Proteinfällung ließ sich am einfachsten die quantitative Bestimmung phosphorylierten Angiogenins durchführen. 12. Stellt die Phosphorylierung von Angiogenin durch PKC möglicherweise eine physiologische Reaktion in der Wirkungskette von Angiogenin dar? Zur Beantwortung dieser Frage sind weitere Versuche in vivo und in vitro erforderlich. Bisherige Hinweise auf die zentrale Funktion der Proteinkinase C in vielen intra/extra-zellulären Informationsübertragungsprozessen ("second messenger" Reaktionen und "signalling" Prozesse) führen aufgrund der guten Phosphorylierbarkeit von Angiogenin durch PKC zu der Vermutung, daß die Phosphorylierung von Angiogenin durch PKC auch in vivo eine Rolle spielt. Möglicherweise stellt die Phosphorylierung von Angiogenin im molekularen Wirkungsmechanismus von Angiogenin auf der zellulären Ebene z. B. bei der extra/intrazellulären Informationsübertragung, oder bei der Modifizierung der biologischen Aktivität, evtl. auch bei der Inaktivierung von Angiogenin eine zentrale Schlüsselreaktion dar. Die präsentierten Ergebnisse zeigen, daß Angiogenin ein potenter Stimulator der indirekten Revaskularisierung in vivo ist und die Wirkung im standardisierten Tiermodell an der Ratte quantitativ untersucht werden kann. Die Offenheitsrate kleinkalibriger (Æ 2 mm) PTFE-Gefäßprothesen läßt sich im entwickelten Tiermodell an White New Zealand Kaninchen in vivo testen. Die angiogenetische Beschichtung der Prothesen mit dem Matrixfaktor Gelatine als Trägersubstanz der Angiogenesefaktoren und mit Heparin, Angiogenin und bFGF als Mitogenen zeigte keine für klinische Fragestellungen akzeptable Offenheitsrate. Mit der Phosphorylierung von Angiogenin durch Proteinkinase C in vitro unter Verwendung ihrer Stimulatoren Ca 2+ , Phospholipid und Diolein konnten Phosphorylierungsraten von bis zu 50 % erzielt werden. Mit phosphoryliertem Angiogenin steht nun ein weiterer molekular veränderter Wachstumsfaktor für Untersuchungen seiner biologischen Eigenschaften und der angiogenetischen Potenz in vivo und in vitro zur Verfügung. / The growth of new vessels is called angiogenesis. Special growth factors e.g. basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are potent stimulators of angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Angiogenin another angiogenic protein was isolated first by Fett et al. 1985 from human carcinoma cells. Part I: The effect of angiogenin to stimulate angiogenesis in ischemic hind legs of inbred male Lewis rats is described. In this new animal model ischemia was induced by the ligature of the femoral artery. To stimulate angiogenesis angiogenic proteins (bFGF, angiogenin) were locally applied and compared to untreated ischemic animals. Already 1.9 ng locally applied angiogenin significantly stimulated the growth of collaterals in ischemic rat hind legs which could be demonstrated already 7 days after the application of angiogenin. The best stimulation of angiogenesis was achieved by the local application of 100 ng angiogenin which was 2.5-fold more angiogenic than 250 ng bFGF in the ischemic rat legs. The angiogenic effect of angiogenin as well as of bFGF was dependent on the applied dose reaching an optimum concerning angiogenin between 10 and 100 ng and for bFGF at 250 ng. Part II: The patency of PTFE vascular grafts with different angiogenic luminal coatings was tested in an animal model. In White New Zealand rabbits the abdominal aorta was replaced by a 5 cm long PTFE vascular graft 2 mm in diameter. Angiogenin and bFGF luminal coated PTFE grafts were 24 hours patent. Angiogenin coated grafts were after 8 hours occluded by a small distal thrombus. bFGF coated grafts were occluded after 6 hours. Heparine coated grafts were totally occluded by a thrombus after only 2 hours and gelatine coated grafts were already occluded after 1 hour. Part III: Protein Kinase C (PKC) isolated from rat brain was able to phosphorylat angiogenin with an effiency reaching 49% using Ca2+, Phospholipids and Dioleins as stimulators of the reaction. Histone V S was phosphorylated to 50% and bFGF to 84% by the same PKC. The determined Michaelis-Menten- Factor was concerning angiogenin km = 50 µM, bFGF km = 3.3 µM and Histone V S km = 10 µM. The separation of phosphorylated angiogenin was possible with the method of Sephadex G25 molecular sieve centrifugation as well as with the Centricon 10 membran centrifugation. The presented results demonstrate that angiogenin is a potent angiogenic protein stimulating the formation of new collaterals which was quantitatively evaluated in a new standardized rat animal model. The stimulation of indirect revascularization by angiogenin may be of therapeutical value in the treatment of ischemic cardio-vascular diseases. The patency of PTFE vascular prostheses 2 mm in diameter can successfully be tested in an animal model in White New Zealand rabbits by replacing the abdominal aorta by a 5 cm long PTFE vascular graft. Testing variant angiogenic luminal coatings of these PTFE grafts showed that a combination of bFGF/angiogenin had the best patency. Phosphorylation of angiogenin with PKC in vitro was possible reaching an effiency of 49% by using the stimulators Ca2+, Phospholipids and Dioleins for the reaction. Phosphorylated angiogenin may be a valuable modified angiogenic protein to study its biological and angiogenic activity in vivo and in vitro and could be helpful in the evaluation of its cellular pathways and receptors. © Die inhaltliche Zusammenstellung und Aufmachung dieser Publikation sowie die elektronische Verarbeitung sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Jede Verwertung, die nicht ausdrücklich vom Urheberrechtsgesetz zugelassen ist, bedarf der vorherigen Zustimmung. Das gilt insbesondere für die Vervielfältigung, die Bearbeitung und Einspeicherung und Verarbeitung in elektronische Systeme.

One strategy for bone regenerative engineering is to use matrices associated to osteogenic and angiogenic molecules to increase bone formation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of extensive cranial bone defects with the F1 protein obtained from latex adsorbed at different concentrations (0,01%, 0,025%, 0,05% e 1%) to two different bonesubstitutes biomaterials, deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) and biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (pBCP) using a preclinical model in rats. Defects of 8-mm diameter were created in parietal bones of 72 rats filled with the pure biomaterial or carried with the different concentrations of F1 protein, in the microtomographic images a visual analysis of the microtomographic reconstructions of the skull through transverse, coronal and sagittal sections. Subsequently, the segmentation of the defect in the reconstructions will be done through an image processing algorithm to quantify the parameters. Analyzing, in the BP-G group, the total volume of bone (TV), in the CSBD-CG group, the total volume of new bone (TV-NB), and in the treated groups, the total volume of the grafted region (TV/GR), the total volume of new bone (TV-NB) and biomaterials (TV/DBB and TV/pBCP). In tissue sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin a descriptive histological analysis was performed to verify the tissue response to treatment with F1 protein and its association with osteoconductive biomaterial and correlate it with the histomorphometric determination to obtain percent values and volume of neoformed bone tissue, biomaterial, bone marrow and soft tissue. In the characterization of DBB and pBCP biomaterials, it was performed through the combined analytical methodology by SEM and SDD-EDS, to analyze external morphology and elemental chemical composition. All the results were compared between the groups by the ANOVA variance analysis and the Tukey tests at the 5% level of significance (Statistica v.5.1, StatSoft). After 12 weeks, defects treated with biomaterials without F1 presented greater bone formation in relation to the control group. The association of 0.025% and 0.05% of F1 plus DBB showed higher bone formation (32.6% and 25.1%, respectively) when compared to pBCP, being 19.3% and 15.1%, respectively. We conclude that the stimulation of angiogenesis and osteogenesis depends on its concentration of F1e and the physicochemical properties of the carrier material. / Uma estratégia da engenharia regenerativa óssea é usar matrizes associadas a moléculas osteogênicas e angiogênicas para aumentar a formação óssea. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do tratamento de defeitos ósseos cranianos extensos com a proteína F1 obtida do látex adsorvido em diferentes concentrações (0,01%, 0,025%, 0,05% e 1%) a dois diferentes biomateriais ósseo-substitutos, osso bovino desproteinizado (DBB) cerâmica de fosfato de cálcio bifásica (pBCP) utilizando um modelo pré-clínico em ratos. Defeitos de 8 mm de diâmetro foram criados nos ossos parietais de 72 ratos preenchidos com o biomaterial puro ou carregados com as diferentes concentrações da proteína F1, nas imagens microtomográficas uma análise visual das reconstruções microtomográficas do crânio através de cortes transversais, coronais e sagitais. Subsequentemente, foi feito segmentação do defeito nas reconstruções através de algoritmo de processamento de imagem para quantificação dos parâmetros. Analisando, no grupo BP-G, o volume total de osso (TV), no grupo CSBD-CG o volume total de osso novo (TV-NB), e nos grupos tratados, o volume total da região enxertada (TV-GR), volume total de osso novo (TV-NB) e biomaterial (TV-DBB e TV-pBCP). Nos cortes teciduais corados pela Hematoxilina e Eosina foi realizado uma análise histológica descritiva para verificar a resposta tecidual frente ao tratamento com a proteína F1 e a sua associação com biomaterial osteocondutor e correlaciona-la com a determinação histomorfométrica para a obtenção dos valores percentuais e de volume de tecido ósseo neoformado, biomaterial, medula óssea e tecido conjuntivo. Na caracterização dos biomaterias DBB e pBCP, foi realizado através da metodologia analítica combinada por SEM e SDD-EDS, para analisar morfologia externa e composição química elementar. Todos os resultados foram comparados entre os grupos pela análise de variância ANOVA e o tests de Tukey ao nível de significância de 5% (Statistica v.5.1, StatSoft). Após 12 semanas, defeitos tratados com biomateriais sem F1 apresentaram maior formação óssea em relação ao grupo controle. A associação de 0,025% e 0,05% de F1 mais DBB mostraram maior formação óssea (32,6% e 25,1%, respectivamente) quando comparados com pBCP, sendo 19,3% e 15,1%, respectivamente.Nós concluímos que, a estimulação da angiogênese e osteogênese depende de sua concentração de F1e das propriedades físico-químicas do material carreador.

Le cetuximab est indiqué, en monothérapie pour les carcinomes épidermoïdes de la tête et du cou récurrents et/ou métastatiques. Cependant sur les tumeurs primaires, il s'est révélé d'une efficacité modeste. Dans divers types tumoraux, il a été montré que la perte d'expression de PTEN est associée à une résistance aux thérapies anti-EGFR, il s'agit d'un évènement relativement fréquent dans les carcinomes épidermoïdes de la tête et du cou.Cette étude est la première à investiguer directement le rôle de la perte d'expression de PTEN dans la réponse au cetuximab des carcinomes épidermoïdes de la tête et du cou. Aussi, la mise au point d'un modèle PTEN déficient montre que la perte d'expression de PTEN dans les cellules Cal 27 conduit à une suractivation des voies de la survie et de prolifération cellulaire qui n'aboutit cependant pas à une résistance au cetuximab. Ces travaux montrent que les cellules Cal 27 sont plus dépendantes de l'activation de la voie PI3K/AKT que de l'activité de l'EGFR pour leur croissance, expliquant l'effet modeste du cetuximab.Notre étude de l'angiogenèse par un modèle d'anneaux aortiques cultivé en milieux conditionnés, montre que le bourgeonnement endothélial n'est pas dépendant du VEGF. Le silencing de PTEN dans ces cellules, régule positivement les facteurs anti-angiogéniques TSP1 et IGFBP 3 et diminue la capacité d'induction du bourgeonnement endothélial.Dans les carcinomes épidermoïdes de la tête et du cou, la perte d'expression de PTEN ne semble pas être un évènement important dans la tumorigenèse mais avoir un impact déterminant en tant qu'évènement tardif. L'ensemble des données fournies par notre modèle permet de proposer, pour la perte d'expression de PTEN, un rôle d'initiation du processus métastatique dans les carcinomes épidermoïdes de la tête et du cou / Cetuximab has been recently accepted as a single agent to treat recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, modest efficacy of cetuximab used as a single agent has been reported on primary tumor. In many tumor types, loss of PTEN expression has been described to be associated to resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. Loss of PTEN expression is a frequent event in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.This study is the first one to directly investigate the role of PTEN loss of expression in response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to cetuximab. PTEN-deficient cellular model shows that loss of PTEN expression leads to an overactivation of the signaling pathways ruling cell survival and proliferation but do not impact on cetuximab efficacy. According to our data, Cal 27 cells growth rather depends on PI3K/AKT activation than on EGFR.Observation of angiogenesis, using an aortic ring assay cultured in conditioned media, shows that endothelial sprouting is not dependent on VEGF. PTEN silencing in Cal 27 cells induces anti-angiogenic TSP1 and IGFBP 3 levels in the conditioned medium and reduces the sprouting induction ability by Cal 27 cells.Finally, it is likely that loss of PTEN expression is not a key event in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis, but might be determinant when occurring as a late event. Taken together, our data suggest that loss of PTEN expression could be involved in initiating metastasis process in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Les thérapies anti-angiogéniques actuelles sont limitées, et cibler le métabolisme endothélial représente une nouvelle stratégie prometteuse. Parmi la famille de glycomimétiques Phostines, le composé PST 3.1a possède des propriétés anti-tumorales contre le glioblastome à la fois in vitro et in vivo. L’objectif de ce projet est d’étudier l’impact de PST3.1a sur l’angiogenèse et le métabolisme endothélial. L’angiogenèse est un processus complexe décrivant la formation de nouveaux vaisseaux sanguins à partir d’une vasculature préexistante, dirigée par des facteurs pro-angiogéniques locaux tel que le facteur de croissance endothélial vasculaire (VEGF). L’angiogenèse intervient dans différentes conditions pathologiques, et notamment la croissance tumorale. PST 3.1a (10 μM) inhibe les principales étapes menant à l’angiogenèse in vitro, parmi lesquelles la migration, la prolifération, l’adhésion et la formation de tubes. PST 3.1a réduit également l’angiogenèse in vivo dans les modèles murins et du poisson zèbre, ainsi que l’angiogenèse tumorale et la progression du glioblastome. En particulier nos résultats démontrent une diminution d’interaction entre le récepteur au VEGF 2 et la galectine 1, cette interaction étant décrite comme cruciale dans le cadre des résistances tumorales face aux thérapies anti-angiogéniques actuelles. Ces résultats fournissent une ouverture thérapeutique sur une approche innovante et originale contre les pathologies associées à une angiogenèse excessive, tel que le cancer. / Actual anti-angiogenic therapies are limited, and targeting endothelial metabolism is a new promising strategy. One of the lead compound of the Phostin family, PST 3.1a has anti-glioblastoma properties both in vitro and in vivo. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of PST3.1a on angiogenesis and endothelial metabolism. Angiogenesis is a complex process describing the growth of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, triggered by local pro-angiogenic factors such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Angiogenesis takes part in various pathological conditions and particularly in tumor growth. PST 3.1a (10 μM) inhibited the main steps leading to angiogenesis in vitro including migration, proliferation, adhesion and tube formation. PST 3.1a also reduced physiological angiogenesis in both mice and zebrafish models, and pathological angiogenesis and glioblastoma progression in vivo. In addition, our results highlight the alteration of the interaction between VEGF receptor 2 and galectin-1, a binding known as a key component of the regulation of angiogenesis associated to tumor resistance.These results provide a new route towards an innovative and original approach to target angiogenesis related diseases, including cancer.

La dent est un tissu vivant, confronté tout au long de la vie à de multiples agressions (caries, traumatismes...) qui peuvent entraîner la nécrose de la pulpe. La mise au point d’une «pulpe équivalente» pourrait constituer une approche thérapeutique innovante comme alternative aux traitements actuels d’endodontie. La pulpe des dents temporaires constitue un réservoir de cellules souches mésenchymateuses (SHED Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth) aux potentiels de prolifération et de différenciation élevés. L’objectif global de ce travail est de reconstituer un tissu pulpaire fonctionnel en développant une pulpe équivalente (cellules pulpaires mésenchymateuses ensemencées dans une matrice 3D de collagène) pour être greffée à l’intérieur de la chambre pulpaire préalablement évidée afin de conserver la vitalité de la dent. Les objectifs spécifiques ont été : In vitro : 1) d'étudier le potentiel angiogénique des SHED comparés à des fibroblastes dermiques en conditions normoxiques et hypoxiques, 2) de déterminer la durée de pré-conditionnement hypoxique optimale pour stimuler le potentiel angiogénique des SHED, 3) de sélectionner une potentielle cytokine activant la formation de capillaires, 4) d’analyser l’effet de l’hypoxie sur l’expression des marqueurs de surfaces des SHED, et 5) de vérifier que l’hypoxie n’altérait pas le potentiel de minéralisation de ces cellules. In vivo : 1) d’évaluer, dans un modèle pré-clinique d’implantation de pulpes équivalentes en site ectopique chez la souris, l’effet du pré-conditionnement hypoxique sur le potentiel angiogénique des SHED. Ces expériences ont d’abord été conduites avec des cellules pulpaires de souris puis confirmées avec des SHED implantées dans des souris immunodéficientes, et 2) de développer des techniques d’imagerie dynamique pour suivre la néoangiogenèse dans les pulpes équivalentes implantées. Enfin, dans un objectif de transfert vers la clinique dentaire humaine, nous avons étudié l’effet d’un nouveau biomatériau à base de calcium tricalcique sur la réparation tissulaire dans un modèle de blessure pulpaire chez le rat, en comparaison aux matériaux de référence. / The tooth is a living organ, faced throughout life to multiple attacks (caries, trauma ...) which can cause necrosis of the pulp. The development of a" pulp equivalent " could be an innovative therapeutic approach as an alternative to current endodontic treatments. The pulp of deciduous teeth is a reservoir of mesenchymal stem cells (Stem cells SHED from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth) with a high potential of proliferation and differentiation. The overall objective of this work was to reconstitute a functional pulp tissue by developing a pulp equivalent (pulp mesenchymal cells seeded in a 3D collagen matrix) to be grafted within the previously hollowed pulp chamber to maintain tooth vitality. The specific objectives were: In vitro: 1) to study the angiogenic potential of SHED compared with dermal fibroblasts in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. 2) to determine the optimal hypoxic preconditioning period to stimulate the angiogenic potential of SHED, 3) to identify a potential cytokine activating the capillary formation, 4) to analyze the effect of hypoxia on the expression of markers surfaces SHED, and 5) to check that hypoxia did not alter the mineralization potential of these cells. In vivo: 1) to evaluate, in a pre-clinical model of pulp equivalent implantation in ectopic site in mice, the effect of either hypoxic or FGF preconditioning on the angiogenic potential of SHED. These experiments were first conducted with mouse pulp cells and further confirmed with SHED implanted in immunodeficient mice, and 2) to develop dynamic imaging techniques to monitor neoangiogenesis within pulp equivalent. Finally, in an objective of transfer to the human dental clinic, we studied the effect of a new biomaterial based on tricalcium on tissue repair in a pulp injury model in rats, compared to gold standard materials.

Propõe-se que a angiogênese represente um importante passo no processo de adesão, implantação, invasão e crescimento das células endometriais, visto que, semelhante aos tumores metastáticos, implantes endometrióticos dependem de neovascularização para se proliferarem. Tal constatação sugere que a supressão do desenvolvimento de vasos sanguíneos por meio da inibição de fatores angiogênicos específicos pode ser uma nova oportunidade terapêutica na abordagem da endometriose. Estudos demonstram um efeito antiangiogênico do propranolol anticancerígeno em diferentes tipos de tumores. Tal achado sugere que o propranolol pode contribuir clinicamente exercendo papel sobre a inibição de neoangiogênese, e tal efeito resultar em um impacto sobre as lesões de endometriose. Foi estudado o efeito do propranolol sobre marcadores de diferenciação (Metalotioneínas MT1 e MT2), invasão (MMP9 e TIMP2), proliferação celular (PCNA) e apoptose (CASP8 - caspase 8) por coloração imunohistoquímica, e também a influência sobre a adesão, motilidade e angiogênese das lesões de endometriose por quantificação da expressão relativa (RQ) por PCR em tempo real dos genes Vegf, Cald1, Pcna, Tnf e Sparc. Foram utilizadas 30 ratas adultas Wistar, fêmeas, virgens que foram submetidas a laparotomia para indução de lesões de endometriose. As ratas foram separadas em três grupos, e sacrificados após 14 dias de tratamento de dose baixa (PB, n = 10) e dose elevada (PA, n = 10) de propranolol; e o grupo de controlo (C, n = 10) sem tratamento. As lesões foram excisadas para análise histológica com o corno uterino contralateral, com confirmação da presença de tecido glandular e estroma endometrial. No presente estudo foi observada uma redução na marcação imunohistoquímica para Metalotioneínas, com 60% de positividade no grupo controle, 10% e 11,1% para o PA, PB, respectivamente (p <0,05). Também observamos uma diminuição na expressão do gene de Pcna (C = 1,04; PA = 0,32; PB = 0,69). Em outros marcadores de imunohistoquímica e quantificação da expressão gênica nas lesões e no tecido uterino não foram observadas diferenças significativas. O tratamento com drogas antiangiogênicas como propranolol oferece novas perspectivas de abordagem terapêutica para pacientes com endometriose. / Since endometrial implants rely on neovascularization to proliferate, in a similar way to metastatic tumors, it is proposed that angiogenesis represents an important step in the process of adhesion, implantation, invasion and growth of ectopic endometrial cells. These findings suggest that the suppression of the development of blood vessels by inhibition of specific angiogenic factors may be a new therapeutic opportunity in endometriosis approach. Studies demonstrate an antiangiogenic anticancer effect of propranolol in different types of tumors. This drug can play a role in the inhibition of neoangiogenesis, which could interfere on the growth of endometriotic lesions. The effect of propranolol on markers of differentiation (Metallothionein, MT1 and MT2), invasion (MMP9 and TIMP2), cell proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (CASP8 - caspase 8) was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, as well as the influence of propranolol on adhesion, motility and angiogenesis of both endometriotic lesions and endometrial tissue through quantification of relative expression (RQ) by real-time PCR of the genes Vegf, Cald1, Pcna, Tnf and Sparc. Thirty Wistar adult rats, females, virgins who underwent laparotomy for induction of endometriosis lesions were used. The rats were divided into three groups, and sacrificed after 14 days of low (BP, n = 10) and high dose treatment (AP, n = 10) of propranolol; and the control group (C, n = 10), untreated. The lesions were excised for histological analysis with the contralateral uterine horn, with confirmation of the presence of glandular tissue and endometrial stroma. In the present study we observed a reduction in immunostaining for Metallothioneins, with 60% positive in the control group, in comparison to 10% and 11.1% for PA and PB, respectively (p <0.05). Furthermore, there was a decrease in expression of Pcna gene (C = 1.04; PA = 0.32; PB = 0.69) which was statistically significant (p<0.05). However, quantification of gene expression regarding other immunohistochemical markers evaluated both in the endometriotic lesions and uterine tissue showed no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, antiangiogenic drugs like propranolol may offer new perspectives for the therapeutic approach of patients with endometriosis.