Evaluation of the gene HIF-1± and VEGF in response to treatment with melatonin in squamous cell lines carcinoma

• Grant number: 11/18473-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2011
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos Zuccari
• Grantee: Naiane Do Nascimento Gonçalves
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common neoplasm of the head and neck, affecting 350,000 people each year worldwide. According to the National Cancer Institute - INCA, in 2010, there were 14,120 cases of oral cancer in Brazil. Despite recent advances in the diagnosis of SCC, the patient's survival does not exceed five years, life expectancy has stagnated for over two decades. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SCC is necessary to recognize its initial state, assess tumor growth, and identify new targets for effective therapy. The tumor growth is dependent on angiogenesis, which is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), expressed under the control of hypoxia-inducible factor - 1± (HIF-1±). Thus, the HIF-1±, VEGF, and the molecules involved in angiogenesis are important targets for new therapeutic agents. To control these effects, studies with melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, refer to it, as oncostatin action in several types of cancer, but this relationship has not been described in SCC. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with melatonin in angiogenesis mediated by VEGF and HIF-1± in cell lines of SCC. After induction of hypoxia and treatment with melatonin, the gene expression of these genes will be verified by real-time PCR in cell lines of type SCC9, SCC15, SCC25, and SCC4. The data obtained in this study will determine the therapeutic value of melatonin in the treatment of carcinoma of the mouth, reducing tumor growth and contributing to a better prognosis. (AU)