Kinetics of angiogenic changes in a new mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma

• Main Authors: Heindryckx Femke, Mertens Koen, Charette Nicolas, Vandeghinste Bert, Casteleyn Christophe, Van Steenkiste Christophe, Slaets Dominique, Libbrecht Louis, Staelens Steven, Starkel Peter, Geerts Anja, Colle Isabelle, Van Vlierberghe Hans
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-08-01
• Series: Molecular Cancer
• Online Access: http://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/9/1/219

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Western countries has led to an expanding interest of scientific research in this field. Therefore, a vast need of experimental models that mimic the natural pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a short time period is present. The goal of our study was (1) to develop an efficient mouse model for HCC research, in which tumours develop in a natural background of fibrosis and (2) to assess the time-dependent angiogenic changes in the pathogenesis of HCC.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Weekly intraperitoneal injections with the hepatocarcinogenic compound N-nitrosodiethylamine was applied as induction method and samples were taken at several time points to assess the angiogenic changes during the progression of HCC.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced mouse model provides well vascularised orthotopic tumours after 25 weeks. It is a representative model for human HCC and can serve as an excellent platform for the development of new therapeutic targets.</p>