Effects of saffron aqueousextract and low frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesison in a Wistar rat aortic ring model

Angiogenesis is required for embryogenesis and many physiological and pathological conditions such as tumor growth. The effects of electromagnetic fields on cell development and growth have been investigated. In this experimental study, the synergic effects of saffron aqueous extract and low-frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesis were investigated on rat aortic ring. In this experimental study, Wistar rat aorta was divided into pieces 1 mm and cultured in collagen matrices. On day 3, following observed sprouting angiogenesis the samples were classified into 8 groups: Control group, the first sham-exposed group (treated with PBS), the second sham-exposed group (treated with electromagnetic field off), and the third sham-exposed group treated with PBS and electromagnetic field off, the experimental groups 1 and 2 treated with 200 Gauss field for 2 hours and the concentrations of 200 and 300 µg/ml of saffron, respectively and the experimental groups 3 and 4 treated with 200 Gauss field for 3 hours and 200 and 300 µg/ml of saffron, respectively. All samples were photographed by invert microscope immediately and also 24 hours after the treatment. The number and length of vessels was determined by Image J software. There was no significant differences between the control samples and the laboratory control samples 1, 2 and 3 with regards to average number and length of (P>0.05). However, the number of vessels in experimental groups 2 and 4 showed a significant reduction (P<0.001). Reducing in the average length of vessels between the experimental groups 2 and 4 (P<0.001) and also between the experimental group 1 and 3 (P<0. 01) was significant. Results showed that aqueous extract of saffron has dose dependent inhibitory effects on angiogenesis. This inhibitory effect was increased by the electromagnetic field, suggesting a synergistic effect between them.