Trace elements play critical roles in angiogenesis events. The effects of
nitrogen,
iron,
selenium,
phosphorus,
gold, and
calcium were discussed in part I. In part II, we evaluated the effect of
chromium,
silicon,
zinc,
copper, and
sulfur on different aspects of angiogenesis, with critical roles in healing and regeneration processes, and undeniable roles in
tumor growth and
cancer therapy. This review is the second of series that serves as an overview of the role of inorganic elements in regulation of angiogenesis and vascular function. The methods of exposure, structure, mechanism, and potential activity of these
trace elements are briefly discussed. An electronic search was performed on the role of these
trace elements in angiogenesis from January 2005 to April 2014. The recent aspects of the relationship between five different
trace elements and their role in regulation of angiogenesis, and homeostasis of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors were assessed. Many studies have investigated the effects and importance of these elements in angiogenesis events. Both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on angiogenesis are observed for the evaluated elements.
Chromium can promote angiogenesis in pathological manners.
Silicon as
silica nanoparticles is anti-angiogenic, while in
calcium silicate extracts and bioactive
silicate glasses promote angiogenesis.
Zinc is an anti-angiogenic agent acting on important genes and
growth factors.
Copper and
sulfur compositions have pro-angiogenic functions by activating pro-angiogenic
growth factors and promoting endothelial cells migration, growth, and tube formation. Thus, utilization of these elements may provide a unique opportunity to modulate angiogenesis under various setting.