Angiogenic processes and their role in pathophysiological mechanisms of hemolytic diseases - professora Raquel Soares Lino

• Grant number: 17/09535-5
• Support type: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: August 27, 2017 - September 07, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Nicola Amanda Conran Zorzetto
• Grantee: Nicola Amanda Conran Zorzetto
• Visiting researcher: Raquel Angela Silva Soares Lino
• Visiting researcher institution: Universidade do Porto (UP), Portugal
• Home Institution: Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia (HEMOCENTRO). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Angiogenesis is characterized by the formation of new capillaries, from pre-existing vessels. This process plays an important role in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the migration of inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation. The angiogenic process involves interactions of various cell types and mediators to establish capillary formation. Endothelial cells are key to this process, being organized to form lumen-containing blood vessels, driven by the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in response to angiogenic mediators. Changes in angiogenesis have been associated with pathological conditions, particularly in inflammatory diseases and in low oxygen tension. Increased serum levels of angiogenic growth factors and Angiogenin 2 (Ang-2) have been reported in patients with sickle cell anemia, a disease characterized by intravascular hemolysis and chronic inflammation, and indicates a pro-angiogenic state in this disease. In addition, recent data indicate that, during episodes of hemolysis, the presence of Hb and free heme in the circulation can induce inflammatory conditions, oxidative stress and endothelial activation. There are no published reports that hemolysis is associated with angiogenic and neovascularization processes. During the visit of Professors Raquel Soares and M. Raquel Costa, we intend to strengthen the collaboration between the Vascular Inflammation group at the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, UNICAMP. Our collaboration has already resulted in two publications (Lopes et al., 2014; Microvasc Res and Lopes et al., 2015, Haematologica); however Pesq Nicola Conran Zorzetto still does not personally know Professors Raquel Soares and M. Raquel Costa. During the visit, visitors will assist in the development of techniques (neovascularization technique in matrigel plugs in mice with hemolysis, in vitro matrigel aortic ring assays and matrigel capillary formation assay) that will be used in the laboratory for development Of a postdoctoral project (2016 /10542-3, linked to 2014 /19173-5) and a doctoral project (linked to the 2014 /00984-3 project). The Visiting Professors will also provide a Workshop, "Practice in Laboratory and Angiogenesis Methodologies", with a 30-hour work load, for up to 12 participants, during their stay. Direct benefits of this visit are expected for the research projects described, as well as to support the continuation and funding of this partnership of almost 7 years. (AU)