Anti-tumoural effects of PlgK1-5 are directly linked to reduced ICAM expression, resulting in hepatoma cell apoptosis

Purpose Angiostatin and angiostatin-like molecules are known as anti-angiogenic factors, which inhibit endothelial cell functions resulting in reduced tumour growth. Recent data indicate that these molecules, especially PlgK1-5, directly affect tumour cells, which could explain the strong anti-tumoural effects of PlgK1-5. Therefore, we have analysed whether PlgK1-5 alters tumour cell functions and expression levels of cell adhesion molecules in murine and human hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo.