RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Growth-modulatory Effects of Heparin and VEGF165 on the Choriocarcinoma Cell-line JEG-3 and its Expression of Heparanase JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 7071 OP 7076 VO 34 IS 12 A1 MICHAEL K. BOHLMANN A1 JANA-CHRISTIN HOERSTER A1 DIANA BUNDSCHUH A1 PHILIPP BOEMICKE A1 DOERTE W. LUEDDERS A1 FRANK KÖSTER YR 2014 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/34/12/7071.abstract AB Background: Expression of heparanase (HPSE) in tumor cells is strongly associated with invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. It also plays a key role during pregnancy, in processes of implantation as well as placentation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and heparin are known to alter HPSE expression, with heparin given prophylactically to women with a history of placenta-mediated complications in subsequent pregnancies. Materials and Methods: We examined the growth-modulatory effects of different concentrations of heparin and VEGF on the choriocarcinoma cell-line JEG-3 and the expression of heparanase under VEGF and heparin by proliferation assays, PCR, and western blot. Results: Proliferation of JEG-3 cells was induced by heparin in a dose-dependent manner, whereas highly concentrated VEGF led to a decreased cell proliferation. Both agents did not influence the HPSE-expression. Conclusion: The presumed pregnancy-protecting effects of heparin may partially be due to an increase of trophoblast proliferation and not via regulation of HPSE expression.