The effects of angiopoietin-2 on the growth of tongue carcinoma

We aimed to investigate the effects of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) on tumour growth and angiogenesis in human tongue cancer. The pcDNA3.1(-)B/Ang-2 recombined expression plasmid was constructed by subcloning, Ang-2 into a pcDNA3.1(-)B vector, and introduced into the Tca8113 cell line by liposome transfection. Then 3 X 10(6) cells were injected subcutaneously to the back of nude mice. The duration of forming and growing tumours was measured Carefully. Formation of vessels was also assessed in harvested tumour tissue. Real-time reverse transcription Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the increase of Ang-2 expression in the transfected tumours. Overexpression of Ang-2 in Tca8113 cells prolonged the detectable formation of tumours and inhibited their,growth. Tumours derived front Ang-2-transfected cells contained aberrant angiogenic vessels With few associated smooth muscle cells. Transgenic Ang-2 resulted in aberrant tumour angiogenesis in Tca8113 transplanted tumours, and inhibited the growth of Tca8113 tumours. (C) 2008 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.