Bevacizumab Efficiently Inhibits VEGF-Associated Cellular Processes in Equine Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells: An In
Ulrike Lessiak1, Barbara Pratscher1, Alexander Tichy2
1Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Anti-VEGF agents were found to have clinical implications for the successful treatment of vascular-driven diseases in humans. In this study, a detailed biological characterization of bevacizumab in a variety of in vitro assays was carried out to determine the effect of bevacizumab on equine umbilical vein endothelial cells (EqUVEC). EqUVECs were harvested from umbilical cords of clinically healthy horses and exposed to different concentrations (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 mg/mL) of bevacizumab (Avastin®). Assays concerning the drug's safety (cell viability and proliferation assay) and efficacy (cell tube formation assay, cell migration assay, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression) were carried out reflecting multiple cellular processes. Bevacizumab significantly decreased VEGF expression at all concentrations over a 72 h period. No cytotoxic effect of bevacizumab on EqUVECs was observed at concentrations of 4 mg/mL bevacizumab or lower. Incubated endothelial cells showed delayed tube formation and bevacizumab efficiently inhibited cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Bevacizumab potently inhibits VEGF-induced cellular processes and could be a promising therapeutic approach in vascular-driven diseases in horses.
Insights
Bevacizumab effectively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in equine cells, showing promise for treating horse vascular diseases. It reduced VEGF expression and cell migration without toxicity at therapeutic doses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anti-VEGF agents are crucial for treating human vascular diseases.
- Bevacizumab is an anti-VEGF antibody with therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biologically characterize bevacizumab's effects on equine umbilical vein endothelial cells (EqUVEC).
- To assess bevacizumab's safety and efficacy in vitro for potential equine applications.
Main Methods:
- Harvesting EqUVECs from healthy horses.
- Exposing EqUVECs to varying bevacizumab concentrations (1-8 mg/mL).
- Conducting cell viability, proliferation, tube formation, migration, and VEGF expression assays.
Main Results:
- Bevacizumab significantly reduced VEGF expression in EqUVECs over 72 hours.
- No cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations up to 4 mg/mL.
- Bevacizumab delayed tube formation and inhibited cell migration dose-dependently.
Conclusions:
- Bevacizumab potently inhibits VEGF-induced cellular processes in equine endothelial cells.
- Bevacizumab demonstrates safety and efficacy, suggesting potential as a therapeutic for equine vascular diseases.
