Mesenchymal-endothelial transition in juvenile angiofibroma?

Mesenchymal-endothelial transition is proposed for juvenile angiofibromas (JAs). Propranolol might be an interesting new medical option in JA treatment, as it reduces mesenchymal cell growth and decreases the number of CD31-positive cells in vitro.

Juvenile angiofibromas (JAs) are rare fibro-vascular tumors affecting almost exclusively adolescent males. Based on morphological aspects of irregularly configured vascular spaces and clinical features, JAs have been proposed to represent a vascular malformation. In general, mesenchymal-endothelial transition has been noted as an important process in tumorigenesis as well as in embryonal development.

The study analyzed effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and propranolol on endothelial differentiation (CD31+) of cultured JA cells and their expression of angiogenic growth factors using aortic ring assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Following VEGF/bFGF supplement to cultured mesenchymal cells, an average of 4.47% (± 2.35%) CD31-positive cells were found (p < 0.001). Propranolol addition reduced the number of CD31-positive cells and inhibited mesenchymal cell growth. The aortic ring assay and ELISA investigation indicated no increased angiogenic growth factor secretion from cultured JA mesenchymal cells.