Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Stimulates Organ-Specific Host Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression and Ovarian Cancer Invasion

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) regulate each other, contributing to tumor progression. We have previously reported that MMP9 induces the release of tumor VEGF, promoting ascites formation in human ovarian carcinoma xenografts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether tumor-derived VEGF regulated the expression of gelatinase by the stroma, influencing the invasive properties of ovarian tumors. Tumor variants derived from 1A9 human ovarian carcinoma, stably expressing VEGF 121 in the sense (1A9-VS-1) and antisense orientations (1A9-VAS-3), were used. In vivo, zymographic analysis of tumors from 1A9-VS-1 implanted in the peritoneal cavity of nude mice showed higher levels of gelatinases, particularly murine MMP9, indicating that VEGF stimulates host expression of the matrix-degrading enzyme. Murine MMP9 expression was also high in the ovaries of mice bearing 1A9-VS-1 tumors. The effect on host MMP9 activity was organ-specific. The levels of host pro-MMP9 in ovaries correlated with the plasma levels of tumor VEGF and with the selective invasion of the ovaries. Induction of host MMP9 expression in tumors and ovaries was independent of the site of tumor growth as it was seen in mice carrying both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous tumors. The anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (Avastin) inhibited MMP9 expression and tumor invasion in the ovaries of mice bearing 1A9-VS-1 tumors. These findings point to a complex cross-talk between VEGF and MMPs in the progression of ovarian tumor and suggest the possibility of using VEGF inhibitors to affect MMP-dependent tumor invasion.

Cross-Talk between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Induction of Neovascularization in Vivo

“…Recently, cross-talk between VEGF and MMP-9 has been suggested to play a role in ovarian carcinoma invasion and metastasis. [37][38][39][40] Host cells, specifically inflammatory cells as opposed to tumor cells, have been implicated as being the primary source of MMP-9 in these models. 37 Previous studies have determined that VEGF-mediated inflammation plays a critical role in the pathological angiogenesis induced by it.…”

“…[37][38][39][40] Host cells, specifically inflammatory cells as opposed to tumor cells, have been implicated as being the primary source of MMP-9 in these models. 37 Previous studies have determined that VEGF-mediated inflammation plays a critical role in the pathological angiogenesis induced by it. [41][42][43] Our results suggest that both VEGF and active MMPs recruit CD11bϩ inflammatory cells to the corneal stroma, which are likely to play a critical role in the angiogenic response.…”

Is Structural Remodeling of Fibrillated Atria the Consequence of Tissue Hypoxia?

“…The anti-VEGF antibody inhibits both MMP-9 expression and tumor invasion into the ovaries. 48 In contrast, VEGF is released from extracellular stores by MMP-9, an event that increases the bioavailability of the angiogenic mitogen. 49 Furthermore, the implication of VEGFR-1 in MMP-9 expression in lung cancer was revealed.…”

Report on Three Cases of Advance Ovarian Cancer Upon Bangladeshi Population: Successful Management with Bevacizumab Based Chemotherapy

“…Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenesis are important promoter of ovarian cancer progression 25,26 . Both co-relate directly with the extent of disease and inversely with progression free survival 27,28 and overall survival 29,30,31 often in dependently of known prognostic factors 32,33 .…”