new blood forming vessels are produced by differentiation of mesodermal precursor cells to angioblasts that become endothelial cells (ecs) which in turn give rise to primitive capillary network. human cord blood (hcb) contains large subsets of mononuclear cells (mncs) that can be differentiated into endothelial-like cells in vitro. human mononuclear progenitor cells were purified from fresh umb...

Angiogenesis is regulated in large part by the balance of various proangiogenic stimulators, such as VEGF, and a diverse group of endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis, most of which are extrinsic to endothelial cells. With respect to the latter, until recently, none have appeared to be induced as a consequence of a specific, self-regulating, feedback inhibition response. A new inhibitor, calle...

We explored the effect of astaxanthin on vascular endothelial growth factor in the aqueous humor, by measuring vascular endothelial growth factor levels and oxidation-related parameters, including O2 (•-) scavenging activity, H2O2 level, and total hydroperoxide level in the aqueous humor, obtained from 35 patients before and after astaxanthin administration. We evaluated the relationship betwee...

Heparin-based hydrogels are attractive for controlled growth factor delivery, due to the native ability of heparin to bind and stabilize growth factors. Basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor are heparin-binding growth factors that synergistically enhance angiogenesis. Mild, in situ encapsulation of both basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial grow...