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.