Effects of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Valproic Acid on Human Pericytes In Vitro
2011

Effects of Valproic Acid on Human Pericytes

Sample size: 4 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Karén Jakob, Rodriguez Alejandro, Friman Tomas, Dencker Lennart, Sundberg Christian, Scholz Birger

Primary Institution: Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

Hypothesis

The study investigates the effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid on pericyte proliferation, cell viability, migration, and differentiation.

Conclusion

Valproic acid inhibits pericyte proliferation and migration while promoting a phenotype associated with vessel stabilization.

Supporting Evidence

  • Valproic acid exposure reduced pericyte proliferation by approximately 70%.
  • HDAC inhibition through valproic acid did not significantly affect cell viability.
  • Pericyte migration was significantly inhibited at higher concentrations of valproic acid.
  • Valproic acid exposure altered the expression of angiogenesis-related genes in pericytes.

Takeaway

This study shows that a drug called valproic acid can stop certain cells from growing and moving, which might help in healing blood vessels.

Methodology

The study used in vitro experiments to assess the effects of valproic acid on human pericytes isolated from placentas, measuring proliferation, migration, and differentiation.

Limitations

The study is limited to in vitro conditions and may not fully represent in vivo responses.

Participant Demographics

Human pericytes isolated from full-term placentas.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024954

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