Related Experiment Videos

Sugar-induced modification of fibroblast growth factor 2 reduces its angiogenic activity in vivo

Francesco Facchiano1, Alessandro Lentini, Vincenzo Fogliano

  • 1Laboratorio di Patologia Vascolare, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, Roma, Italy. f.facchiano@idi.it

Insights

Hyperglycemia impairs blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in diabetes by causing fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) to become glycated, reducing its effectiveness. This glycation is a key mechanism behind impaired angiogenesis in diabetes mellitus.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical research
  • Endocrinology
  • Vascular biology

Background:

  • Impaired angiogenesis is a known complication of diabetes mellitus.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying this impairment remain poorly understood.
  • Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of hyperglycemia on FGF2-induced angiogenesis in vivo.
  • To determine if FGF2 undergoes non-enzymatic glycation in hyperglycemic conditions.
  • To elucidate the role of FGF2 glycation in diabetes-related angiogenesis dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Angiogenesis was assessed using Matrigel plugs containing FGF2 in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic (nonobese diabetic, NOD) mice.
  • Recombinant FGF2 glycation levels were measured in Matrigel plugs from both mouse models.
  • The chemotactic activity of glycated versus unglycated FGF2 on endothelial cells was evaluated using a Boyden chamber assay.
  • The angiogenic potential of in vitro glycated FGF2 was tested in normoglycemic mice.

Main Results:

  • FGF2-induced angiogenesis was significantly inhibited (75%) in hyperglycemic NOD mice compared to controls.
  • Non-enzymatic glycation of FGF2 was significantly enhanced in Matrigel plugs from NOD mice.
  • Glycated FGF2 exhibited reduced chemotactic effects on endothelial cells and weaker angiogenic properties in vivo.
  • In vitro glycation of FGF2 diminished its angiogenic stimulus.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus inhibits FGF2-driven angiogenesis.
  • FGF2 glycation is increased in hyperglycemic mice and reduces its biological activity.
  • FGF2 glycation is identified as a potential mechanism contributing to impaired angiogenesis in diabetes mellitus.

Related Concept Videos