Abstract
Introduction. Currently, understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathological angiogenesis remains a fundamental problem in
hepatology. The aim of this work was to find a relationship between the level of mRNA expression of the ang, vegf genes and angiogenesis in
the liver of Wistar rats in experimental cirrhosis.
Methods. The experiment used 117 sexually mature male Wistar rats weighing from 190–210 g. Liver cirrhosis in animals was induced
with a solution of thioacetamide, which was introduced into the stomach using a probe at a dose of 200 mg/kg of animal body weight 2 times
a week. The dynamics of the process was studied at nine time points (over 17 weeks). The level of mRNA expression of the ang and vegf genes
in the liver was studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction. To obtain overview histological preparations, liver sections were stained with
hematoxylin and eosin, and to identify connective tissue – by the Mallory method. Microscopic analysis was performed using an OLYMPUS
BX51 microscope and ImageScope Color and cellSens Standard image analysis programs. The degree of fibrosis was assessed using the Ishak
K.G.
Conclusion. A statistically significant relationship was established between the level of expression of the total mRNA of target genes,
angiogenesis of the venous system, and fibrogenesis. No pronounced morphological changes were observed on the part of the liver arterial
system throughout the experiment; arterial angiogenesis was not identified. Probably, the spliced forms of mRNA of the ang and vegf genes
estimated by us are more important factors in the pathological angiogenesis of the venous system. Significant correlations were found between
target genes r=0.65–0.84 (splice variants that were investigated). The joint study of genes with respect to each other is a necessary additional
parameter when conducting basic and preclinical research.
Key words: rats, liver cirrhosis, ang and vegf genes, stages of fibrosis, angiogenesis
Authors and affiliations
E.I. Lebedeva1, A.Т. Shchastny1, A.S. Babenka2
1Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University, Frunze Ave., 27, Vitebsk, 210009, Republic of Belarus;
2Belarussian State Medical University, Dzerzhinsky ave., 83, building 15, Minsk, 220116, Republic of Belarus