Mechanism of the anti-angiogenic effect of Avemar on tumor cells

Imir,Nilüfer  Gülmen; Aydemir,Esra; Şimşek,Ece

doi:10.3892/ol.2017.7604

Mechanism of the anti-angiogenic effect of Avemar on tumor cells

Authors:
- Nilüfer Gülmen Imir
- Esra Aydemir
- Ece Şimşek
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Affiliations: Department of Biology Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey, Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Antalya School of Health, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey
Published online on: December 13, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2017.7604
Pages: 2673-2678

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Abstract

Avemar, a derivative of fermented wheat germ extract, is a non‑toxic and natural compound that is used as a dietary supplement by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Avemar has numerous biological activities, and several recent studies have reported that it may also have metastatic and anti‑angiogenic effects. In the present study, the mechanism of the anti‑angiogenic effect of Avemar on human cancer cells was investigated. The human cell lines NCI‑N87 (gastric tubular adenocarcinoma), PC3 (prostate carcinoma), HeLa (endocervical adenocarcinoma) and A549 (lung adenocarcinoma) were treated with various doses (400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200 µg/ml) of Avemar, and the changes in mRNA and protein levels of two important markers of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (Cox‑2), were assessed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. VEGF and Cox‑2 protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower in Avemar‑treated cells than in untreated cells. The data suggest that Avemar may exert an anti‑angiogenic effect on cancer cells. Thus, it is suggested to medical doctors as a potential agent for the anti‑angiogenic treatment of cancer.

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