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Angiogenic bFGF expression from gas-plasma treated scaffolds
Steve R Bailey1, Jodie L Polan, Brian Morse
1Department of Medicine, Janey Briscoe Center for Cardiovascular Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. baileys@uthscsa.edu
Cardiovascular Radiation Medicine
|September 17, 2003
Summary
Gas-plasma treatment enhances angiogenesis by up-regulating basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) isoforms. Specific bFGF isoforms were identified in the nuclei and cytoplasm, with levels peaking at 24 days.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gas-plasma treated D,L-polylactide polymers expressing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) show enhanced angiogenesis in vivo.
- bFGF is a family of isoforms, and understanding which isoforms initiate angiogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine which specific bFGF isoforms and their levels initiate angiogenesis.
- To investigate the role of different bFGF isoforms in nude mice peritoneums.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of cytoplasmic and nuclear bFGF in nude mice peritoneums using scaffolds with and without cells, treated or untreated.
- Analysis of bFGF densities and molecular weights via NuPAGE electrophoresis and WesternBreeze Chemiluminescent kits.
- Quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using ImageJ.
Main Results:
- bFGF bands were identified at 58 kDa (nuclei) and 80 kDa (cytoplasm).
- 58-kDa bFGF was observed in nuclei of treated and untreated scaffolds at 12, 24, and 72 days.
- 80-kDa bFGF was exclusively found in cytoplasmic fractions up to 24 days. Total bFGF levels increased from 12 to 24 days, then decreased by 72 days.
Conclusions:
- Gas-plasma treated scaffolds effectively up-regulate bFGF isoforms.
- bFGF expression occurs in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, with distinct isoform localization.