Effects of DAPT on Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Soluble Receptor in Obese BALB/C Mice

Today، obesity is considered as a risk factor for tumor growth. Angiogenesis is involved in physiological conditions like wound repair and pathological states such as tumor growth. Gamma-secretase is an enzyme that is involved during angiogenesis process. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DAPT on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor (VEGFR1) in obese BALB/c mice.

A total number of 12 BALB/c mice were purchased from Pasteur Institute (Tehran، Iran). Obesity was induced by feeding the mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. The animals were then randomized into two groups of HFD and HFD plus DAPT. In the second group، 10 mg/kg/day of subcutaneous DAPT was administered for 14 days. Afterward، blood samples were obtained and serum VEGF and VEGFR1 levels were measured. Body weights were measured every week.

DAPT could not significantly change body weight. Moreover، the two groups were not significantly different in terms of serum VEGF concentrations. However، serum VEGFR1 levels were significantly lower in mice receiving DAPT than in the HFD group.

Since DAPT alters serum VEGFR1، it may be involved during angiogenesis and inhibition of tumor growth.