VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 are involved in regulation of angiogenesis in experimental carrageenan-induced inflammation

The blood serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were investigated in experimental animals with chronic gastroenterocolitis caused by two- and four-week intake of carrageenan. It was found that the development of the disease was accompanied by elevated VEGF concentrations, indicating activation of neoangiogenesis in this pathology. Changes in the levels, and as a consequence in the activity, of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were unidirectional to VEGF concentration changes. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between levels of VEGF and both metalloproteinases, indicating the involvement of the enzymes mentioned above in the regulation of angiogenesis in carrageenan-induced gastroenterocolitis.