Antiangiogenic Properties of a Novel Shark Cartilage Extract: Potential Role in the Treatment of Psoriasis

Abstract

Our results show that AE -941 has anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Antiangiogenesis agents such as AE -941 provide an entirely new class of agents to treat cutaneous and systemic diseases associated with altered vascularity.

Gelatinase-mediated migration and invasion of cancer cells

“…Neovastat is a shark cartilage extract with anti-angiogenic activity through inhibition of MMPs, although the exact nature of the active ingredient in the extract has not been reported (Dupont et al, 1998). Neovastat has multiple modes of action as it additionally inhibits many VEGF-dependent events in vivo (Falardeau et al, 2001).…”

Demonstration of Inhibitory Effect of Oral Shark Cartilage on Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Induced Angiogenesis in the Rabbit Cornea.

“…22) The antiangiogenic potential of shark cartilage has been attributed to different compounds or fractions such as U-995 11) and AE-941. 10) These latter compounds have shown antiangiogenic activity in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.…”

“…9) Based on those works, recent studies have shown that substances isolated from shark cartilage, for example U-995 and AE-941, inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. 10,11) Fontenele et al recently described analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of a water soluble fraction (WSF) of shark cartilage that was attributed principally to a small peptide with a molecular weight of 2.3 KDa. 12) In the latter work these in vivo pharmacological effects were observed with oral as well as intraperitoneally administration.…”

Shark Cartilage as Source of Antiangiogenic Compounds: From Basic to Clinical Research.

“…This activity was observed only with fractions having a molecular weight less than 10 kDa. 15) More recently, two purified preparations have been obtained from shark cartilage, U-995 derived from the shark Prionace glauca, 16) and AE-941 17) (in the latter case the species of shark used was not indicated). Like other cartilage-derived preparations, U-995 showed a potent antiangiogenic activity in the CAM model, which seemed to be due to an inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and migration and of collagenase activity.…”

“…Further, Neovastat showed an efficient, preventive activity in a skin irritation model in humans, suggesting its potential utility in the treatment of psoriasis. 17) Since 1998, a multicenter phase III clinical trial was approved by NCI in agreement with Aeterna Laboratories (Quebec, Canada) for evaluation of antiangiogenesis activity and antitumor efficacy of Neovastat in cancer patients. 18) The final results of this clinical trial have not been published yet.…”