Investigation of the Effects of Some Cardiovascular Drugs on Angiogenesis by Transgenic Zebrafish

INTRODUCTION: Angiogenesis contributes to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some cardiovascular drugs used in the treatment of CVD have an effect on the process of angiogenesis. METHODS: Transgenic Tg (flk1: EGFP) zebrafish embryos were used to identify the effects of some cardiovascular drugs on angiogenesis during vertebral development in vivo. Zebrafish embryos at a one-cell stage or two-cell stage were cultured with embryo medium containing cardiovascular drugs at a final solvent concentration of 0.5% (V/V) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 24 hours in 24-well plates. RESULTS: We found that 6 drugs including isosorbide mononitrate, amlodipine, bisoprolol fumarate, carvedilol, irbesartan, and rosuvastatin calcium may affect angiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: These new findings of some cardiovascular drugs should improve the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.