In the normal ovary, the angiogenesis is a fundamental and cyclical process that happens in each ovulation. In the epithelial
ovarian cancer, the angiogenesis is increased and as it is known, it is essential for the growth of solid tumors. The endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important factors in this process. The nerve growth factor (NGF), has been considered
as a direct and indirect angiogenic factor through the increase of VEGF expression in non-neuronal tissues, different from the ovary.
Previous reports have demonstrated NGF expression in mammals ovary, including the human ovary. Our aim was to examine the
relation between NGF and VEGF in normal ovary and epithelial ovarian cancer. Our finding demonstrated that in normal ovary, NGF
and its specific receptor (trkA) are expressed in granulosa cells from pre-antrals and antrals follicles, similar to those reported for VEGF. In addition, NGF increases the VEGF expression in human granulosa cells in culture. NGF and trkA are over-expressed in epithelial cells and NGF activates its trkA receptor, increasing VEGF expression in cultured explants of epithelial ovarian cancer. These results show that NGF and trkA could be involved in angiogenesis process in normal ovary and epihelial ovarian cancer.
Keywords:
Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular, Factor de Crecimiento Nervioso, Neoplasias Ováricas, Ovario/metabolismo
Tapia P., V., & Romero O., C. . (2006). Importancia del Factor de Crecimiento Nervioso (NGF) en la Función Normal del Ovario y en el Cáncer Ovárico Epitelial. Revista Hospital Clínico Universidad De Chile, 17(3), pp. 207–16. https://doi.org/10.5354/2735-7996.2006.78243
