Title:Curcumin Suppresses Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Human Glioma Cells Through Modulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/ Angiopoietin-2/Thrombospondin-1 Signaling
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Author(s): Zhiqiang Zhang*, Cong Li, Qijia Tan, Caijun Xie, Yanying Yang, Wengang Zhan, Fu Han, Hari Shanker Sharma*Aruna Sharma
Affiliation:
- Director of Research, CNS Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Frödingsgatan 12, Bldg. 1228, SE-7541 Uppsala,Sweden
- Director of Research, CNS Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Frödingsgatan 12, Bldg. 1228, SE-7541 Uppsala,Sweden
Keywords:
Curcumin, glioma, angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor.Curcumin, glioma, angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor.
Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the effect of curcumin on tumor growth and angiogenesis of human
gliomas and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods: A mouse xenograft glioma model was established by subcutaneously inoculating tumor cell
aggregates derived from the U87 cell line. Mice were treated with 0.01ml/g body weight of curcumin or
saline. Tumor volume was measured. Microvessel density was assessed by CD34 immunostaining, and
angiogenesis by immunohistochemical staining of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1).
Results: At 28 days after treatment, tumor weights in the curcumin-treated group were much smaller
than in the control group (0.23±0.11g vs 0.44±0.15g，p＜0.05), resulting in a 45.8% inhibition of
tumor growth. Curcumin also markedly inhibited microvessel density. Expression of VEGF and Ang-2
was inhibited by curcumin, whereas TSP-1 expression was up-regulated.
Conclusion: This study shows that curcumin inhibits tumor growth by inhibiting VEGF/Ang-2/TSP-1-
mediated angiogenesis in a xenograft glioma mouse model.
