Polidocanol (Lauromacrogol 400) has anti-angiogenic effects in vitro and in vivo

S. Doganci, V. Yildirim, G. Erol, F. Yesildal, K. Karabacak, M. Kadan, G. Ozkan, M.E. Ince, T. Ozgurtas

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. suat_doganci@yahoo.com

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• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: Polidocanol is the most frequently used sclerosant for sclerotherapy all around the world. Our experimental research aims to find out the angiogenic effects of Polidocanol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Angiogenic activity of polidocanol was examined in vivo in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, cell viability assay (human umbilical vein endothelial cells – HUVECs) and in vitro tube formation assay of HUVECs.

RESULTS: In CAM assay, a significant decrease on CAM vessel growth was observed after the application of polidocanol solutions. Vessel growth inhibition was strongly dose-dependent. There was a cytotoxic effect on HUVECs in the presence of polidocanol observed with MTT assay (p < 0.05). In the tube formation assay, statistically significant decrease in tube formation was observed in polidocanol group. It was found that polidocanol had an anti-angiogenic effect (p < 0.05). The results provide evidence that polidocanol decreases angiogenesis and has a cytotoxic effect on ECs.

CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that Polidocanol (lauromacrogol 400) have strong anti-angiogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. Further researches needed to reveal early and long-term effects of polidocanol in the human vascular system and new treatment approach as an anti-angiogenic therapy.

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