Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is the development of new blood vessels. A wealthy number of ion channels are found on the endothelial cells. These ion channels play a vital action in cell proliferation and in related angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate the effects of Nifedipine (L-Type voltage gated calcium channel blocker). The anti-angiogenic activities of Nifedipine was investigated by measuring its effects on number of branches formed, angiogenic score, number of sprouts formed, weight of sponge implanted, Hemoglobin content and histopathological studies by in-vitro (aortic ring assay) and in-vivo (sponge implantation method) methods. The test and standard drug (Bevacizumab) groups were compared with the control group using One-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc test, the Dennett’s test to compare mean of all the groups with the control mean. The results revealed that Nifedipine treatment led to significant inhibition of proliferation and related angiogenesis in the dose dependent manner and were quite comparable with the standard antiangiogenic drug Bevacizumab. These scientific findings indicate the clinical benefits of Nifedipine in pathological situations involving excessive angiogenesis. Negative regulation of cell cycle progression at various checkpoints and cell migration may be the underlying molecular mechanisms for antiangiogenic action.

Boswellia Serrata (BA) is one of the traditional medicines being used since ancient time and is believed to have a variety of beneficial effects on human body. It is more commonly used in treatment of arthritis. Recent human studies have shown that Boswellia serrata may contribute to reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. However little is known about effect of whole extract on angiogenesis in animal models. In this work, we have demonstrated antiangiogenic effects of Boswellia Serrata extract on three different models of angiogenesis – Chicken Chorioallentoic Membrane assay (CAM), Subcutaneous air pouch in rat (SAC) and Mesenteric window angiogenesis in rat (MWA). The extract showed dose dependent reduction in blood vessel development and nature of newly formed vessels. These effects further suggest that whole extract of Boswellia Serrata is useful as an herbal medicine for angiogenesis dependent diseases either alone or in combination with other pharmacotherapeutic or Chemotherapeutic agents.