The effect of valdecoxib on the production of growth factors evoked by hypoxia and bacterial lipopolysaccharide in HMEC-1 cells.

Background. Endothelial cells produce prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGI2) and growth factors (VEGF and bFGF). These substances regulate proliferation of cells, inflammatory processes and neovascularization under physiological and pathological conditions. Objectives. The aim of this study was to check whether valdecoxib – a selective COX-2 inhibitor – inhibits VEGF and/or bFGF secretion in the presence of LPS or cobalt chloride in normal human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Material and Methods. HMEC-1 cells were treated with valdecoxib at a concentration of 10 and 100 μM in the presence of 100 μg/mL LPS or 200 μM CoCl2. The effect of NSAIDs and LPS on VEGF and bFGF proteins was analyzed by ELISA kit (R&D Systems). Cell viability was measured using the 3-[4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Results. Valdecoxib inhibited LPS-induced proliferation of endothelial cells and bFGF secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Valdecoxib stimulated VEGF formation via HMEC-1 under inflammatory conditions. Conclusion. Ultimately, the anti-angiogenic effect of the selective COX-2 inhibitor was a result of inhibition of HMEC-1 cell proliferation and bFGF generation under inflammatory conditions (Adv Clin Exp Med 2013, 22, 6, 795–800).