Ovarian cancer cells are able to create invasive implants in the peritoneum and their growth is directly associated with the angiogenetic potential. This effect is probably stimulated by
vascular endothelial growth factor (
VEGF) and
interleukin-8 (IL-8), which are both found in
ascites. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of
ascites produced by
ovarian cancer on the angiogenesis. Peritoneal fluid was collected from patients with advanced
ovarian cancer;
cancer cells were separated from CD45+ leukocytes. Angiogenesis was assessed in mice, after
intradermal injection of full cellular
suspension together with supernatant or
phosphate buffered saline, purified
cancer cells
suspension, or CD45+ leukocytes
suspension. The angiogenesis index (AI) was assessed after 72 hours.
VEGF and
Il-8 were measured in the supernatant and cellular
suspension. AI was the highest in the isolated
cancer cells
suspensions as well in the group stimulated with supernatant. Both
VEGF and
IL-8 were high in supernatants from
ascites rich in
cancer cells (>45%). A significant correlation was revealed between
IL-8 concentration and AI. We conclude that
ascites in patients with advanced
ovarian cancer stimulates angiogenesis and this mechanism is dependent mostly on
cancer cells activity and enhanced by cooperation with infiltrating leukocytes.