Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor blockade and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition as a combination therapy for experimental human pancreatic cancer

Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are promising therapies for cancer. This study assessed the effects of a neutralizing anti-VEGF antibody (A4.6.1) and an MMP inhibitor (BB-94) on pancreatic cancer (PaCa) in vivo. Five million cells of two human PaCa cell lines (AsPC-1 and HPAF-2) were injected subcutaneously into nude mice; 1 mm³ fragments of the resulting tumors were implanted into the pancreas of other mice. Animals were randomized into a control group and three treatment groups: A4.6.1 (100 Μg intraperitoneally twice weekly); BB-94 (50 mg/kg every other day); and combination (A4.6.1 plus BB-94). Treatment was started after 3 days and continued for 14 weeks. Tumor volume, local and distant spread (score), and ascites were determined at autopsy. Microvessel density as a parameter of neoangiogenesis was analyzed in CD31-stained tumor sections. Both monotherapies reduced tumor volume (HPAF-2: −89% by A4.6.1 and −75% by BB-94; AsPC-1: −48% by A4.6.1 and −72% by BB-94), spread (HPAF-2: -−76% by A4.6.1 and -58% by BB-94; AsPC-1: −32% by A4.6.1 and −54% by BB-94), and microvessel density (HPAF-2: −75% by A4.6.1 and −30% by BB-94; AsPC-1: −59% by A4.6.1 and −30% by BB-94), resulting in a tendency toward increased survival (HPAF-2: 8 of 8 animals by A4.6.1 or BB-94 vs. 4 of 8; AsPC-1: 3 of 8 by A4.6.1, 4 of 8 by BB-94 vs. 1 of 8). Combination therapy yielded additional effects in the HPAF-2 group with regard to tumor volume (−95%) and development of ascites (0 of 8 vs. 2 of 8 by A4.6.1 or BB-94 vs. 5 of 8 control mice). Both VEGF blockade and MMP inhibition reduce primary tumor size, metastasis, and angiogenesis, thereby increasing survival in experimental pancreatic cancer. Combination treatment results in additive effects in moderately differentiated HPAF-2 tumors. Presented at the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (oral presentation). Supported by the R.S. Hirshberg Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant HO 1843-1).     

Angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 reduces human pancreatic cancer growth

In this study we investigated the effects of the angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 on human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The action of TNP-470 on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also assessed. In vitro human pancreatic cancer cells (MIAPaCa-2, AsPC-1, and Capan-1), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to increasing concentrations (1 pg/ml to 100 (μg/ml) of TNP-470. Cell proliferation was assessed after 3 days by cell count and MTT assay. In vivo, 5 Χ 10⁶ pancreatic cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into nude mice. Four weeks later, 1 mm³ fragments of the resulting tumors were implanted into the pancreas of other mice. Animals received either TNP-470 (30 mg/kg every other day) or vehicle subcutaneously for 14 weeks. The volume of the primary tumor and metastatic spread were determined at autopsy. Concentrations of VEGF were determined in serum (VEGF_S) and ascites (VEGF_A) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Microvessel density was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in CD31 -stained tumor sections. In vitro, proliferation and viability of the human pancreatic cancer cell lines were significantly inhibited at high concentrations of TNP-470 (>1 μg/ml). In contrast, TNP-470 effectively decreased the growth of HUVEC at 100 pg/ml. In vivo, tumor volume and dissemination scores were significantly lower in all three pancreatic cancer cell lines. VEGF_S and VEGF_A were not different between treated groups. Treatment with TNP-470 significantly reduced neoangiogenesis in tumors of all three human pancreatic cancer cell lines: MIAPaCa-2 = 74.8 ±7.8/0.74 mm² vs. 24.8 ±3.7/0.74 mm²; AsPC-1 = 65.3 ±5.0/0.74 mm² vs. 26.0 ±3.4/0.74 mm²; and Capan-1 = 82.2 ±5.8/0.74 mm² vs. 26.9 ±2.5/0.74 mm² (P <0.001). However, survival was not statistically different between groups. TNP-470 reduced tumor growth and metastatic spread of pancreatic cancer in vivo. This was probably due to the antiproliferative effect of the agent on endothelial cells rather than to the direct inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell growth. TNP-470 activity was not associated with alteration of VEGF secretion. Supported by the R.S. Hirshberg Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant HO 1843-1). Presented at the Forty-First Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, Calif., May 21–24, 2000.     

Specific targeting of tumor vasculature by diphtheria toxin-vascular endothelial growth factor fusion protein reduces angiogenesis and growth of pancreatic cancer

Tumor vessels abundantly express receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a mediator of neoangiogenesis. The aim of this study was to specifically target and damage the vasculature of pancreatic cancer (PaCa) by fusing VEGF to diphtheria toxin (DT), which inhibits protein synthesis of target cells. DT-VEGF fusion protein was produced in vector pGEX-KG and expressed in E. coli SG12036. Human PaCa cell lines (HPAF-2 and AsPC-1) and human endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to DT-VEGF (10 ng/ml – 10,000 ng/ml). Proliferation was assessed after 3 days. One mm3 fragments of subcutaneous PaCa donor tumors were implanted into the pancreas of nude mice that received either DT-VEGF (200 ώg/kg) every other day) or phosphate-buffered saline intraperitoneally for 14 weeks. Tumor volume, metastatic spread, and animal weight were determined at autopsy. Microvessel density was analyzed in CD31 -stained tumor sections. Proliferation of PaCa cells was inhibited at high concentrations of DT-VEGF (≥1000 ng/ml). DT-VEGF decreased the growth of HUVEC at 10 ng/ml. In vivo, DT-VEGF reduced tumor volume (HPAF-2, 76%; AsPC-1, 53%), microvessel density (HPAF-2, 54%; AsPC-1, 62%), and tumor spread (HPAF-2, 89%; AsPC-1, 50%). Survival was increased (HPAF-2, 7/8 vs. 4/8 animals; AsPC-1, 6/8 vs. 1/8 animals). Weight was not influenced by DT-VEGF. The DT-VEGF effect is due to its toxic action on the tumor vasculature rather than to direct inhibition of PaCa cell growth. DT-VEGF therapy was not associated with systemic side effects. Presented at the Forty-Second Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Atlanta, Georgia, May 20–23, 2001. Supported by the R.S. Hirshberg Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant HO 1843–1).     

Molecular targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer cells express different mutations that increase the aggressiveness and confer resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Molecules that selectively bind and inhibit these mutations are effective in other solid tumors and are now emerging as a complementary therapy in pancreatic cancer. The objective of this review is to describe the effect of drugs that inhibit specific mutations present in pancreatic cancer with special emphasis on clinical trials. DATA SOURCES: We reviewed the English-language literature (MedLine) addressing the role of drugs that target mutations present in pancreatic cancer. Both preclinical and clinical studies were included. CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical evidence supports the combination of conventional approved therapies plus drugs that block epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular growth endothelial factor or induce apoptosis. However, most of the current clinical evidence is limited to small phase I trials evaluating the toxicity and safety of these regimens. The results of additional randomized trials that are still undergoing will clarify the role of these drugs in pancreatic cancer.     

Tumour-associated angiogenesis in human colorectal cancer

Tumour angiogenesis is a critical step in the growth, metastatic spread and regrowth of colorectal cancer. Angiogenesis specific to tumour is a complicated process, the mechanisms of which remain unclear. Metastasis of colorectal cancer may result from passive entry into the circulation secondary to the effect of angiogenic factors. The survival and growth of colorectal tumour and thus their metastases are dependent on the balance of endogenous angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors such that the outcome favours increased angiogenesis. Angiogenesis has become an attractive target for anticancer drug development, based on its important roles in tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. Several growth factors have been identified that regulate angiogenesis in colorectal cancer; the most important of these are vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and of the several angiogenic factors, VEGF expression at the deepest invasive site of tumour is the most statistically significant prognostic indicator in advanced colorectal carcinoma. In this review article, we provide an overview on angiogenic factors and their receptors, and discuss the role of newly identified tumour endothelial markers (TEMs) that are involved in tumour-associated angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.     

胰腺癌细胞通过高表达核因子E2相关因子2促进巨噬细胞血管内皮生长因子表达的实验研究

目的:探讨胰腺癌细胞对巨噬细胞血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达的影响及核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)在其中的作用。方法:检测单一人胰腺癌细胞(PANC-1)培养组、单一巨噬细胞培养组、肿瘤细胞和巨噬细胞共培养组中各细胞VEGF表达。利用野生组、Nrf2过表达组、Nrf2敲减组中PANC-1的条件培养基刺激巨噬细胞,检...     

前列腺癌组织中血管内皮生长因子的表达及其与内皮素-1的相关性研究

目的:探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在BPH及PCa中的表达和临床意义,及其与内皮素-1(ET-1)表达的关系。方法:应用免疫组织化学ElivisionTMplus法对44例前列腺癌和36例前列腺增生组织中VEGF和ET-1分别进行免疫组化染色,并在光镜下判断染色部位和染色强度。结果:VEGF在BPH和PCa组织中阳性表达率分别为69.4%和80.9%;阳染部位主要位于肿瘤和增生的腺上皮细胞,间质血管内皮细胞均强阳性;比较BPH和PCa的VEGF表达强度,两者有显著性差异(P<0.05);低分化PCa的ET-1表达强度显著高于中、低分化PCa(P<0.01);在骨转移(BM)PCa中VEGF表达强度显著高于非骨转移(non-BM)癌(P<0.01)。VEGF与ET-1的表达有显著的正相关性(rs=0.780,P<0.01)。结论:VEGF与PCa的发生发展有关,其过度表达可能在PCa的骨转移中起重要作用。VEGF与ET-1可能共同参与了PCa的发生发展。     

Dual epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibition with vandetanib sensitizes bladder cancer cells to cisplatin in a dose‐ and sequence‐dependent manner

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the activity of the combination of vandetanib and cytotoxic agents using in vitro models of bladder cancer, as modern chemotherapy regimens are built around cisplatin, with gemcitabine or a taxane such as docetaxel also commonly added in combination for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human bladder cancer cells HTB3, HT1376, J82, RT4, CRL1749, T24, SUP and HTB9 were cultured. The activity of gefitinib (ZD1839) and vandetanib (ZD6474) was assessed in these eight bladder cancer cell lines with a tetrazolium‐based assay of cell viability. RT4 bladder cancer cells, determined to have moderate cisplatin resistance and also moderate sensitivity to vandetanib, were treated with vandetanib and cisplatin. RT4 and T24 cells were treated with six different regimens. The apoptosis and cell‐cycle analysis were studied by flow cytometry. Expression of p21 and p27 was detected by Western blotting. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 was performed for all cell lines.

RESULTS

At equal concentrations, vandetanib was a more potent inhibitor of cell viability, compared to gefitinib. At vandetanib concentrations of ≤2 µM, the combination with cisplatin was synergistic, especially in the treatment sequence of cisplatin followed by vandetanib, and additive with vandetanib followed by cisplatin. An analysis of the cell‐cycle distribution showed that vandetanib treatment induced G1 arrest at high concentrations, but not at lower concentrations. High‐concentration treatment was associated with increased levels of the cyclin‐dependent kinase p27. FISH analysis showed that there was a low level of genomic gain, and no gene amplification. Mutational analysis of exons 18, 19, and 21 of EGFR in each cell line revealed no mutation.

CONCLUSION

Vandetanib has synergistic activity when given at low concentration with cytotoxic chemotherapy. The addition of vandetanib to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy regimens merits further study.     

Increased expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, VEGF-C and VEGF receptor-3 in prostate cancer tissue are associated with tumor progression

Aim： To investigate the differences in microvessel densities （MVD） and the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, VEGF-C and VEGF receptor-3 （VEGFR-3） between prostate cancer （PCa） tissues and adjacent benign tissues, and to explore the correlations among MVD, Jewett-Whitmore staging, Gleason scores and expressions of VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in the progression of PCa. Methods： An immunohistochemical approach was adopted to detect the expressions of CD34, VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in both cancer areas and peripheral benign areas of 71 primary prostatic adenocarcinoma specimens. A statistic analysis was then performed according to the experimental and clinic data. Results： Significantly upregulated expressions of VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were all found in malignant epithelium/cancer cells compared with adjacent benign epithelium （P 〈 0.01）. Patients in stage D had a significantly higher score than patients in stage A, B or C when comparing the expression of VEGF-C or VEGFR-3 in the tumor area （P 〈 0.01）. In addition, significant correlations were observed between Jewett-Whitmore staging and VEGF-C （rs = 0.738, P 〈 0.01）, clinical staging and VEGFR-3 （rs = 0.410, P 〈 0.01）, VEGF-C and Gleason scores （rs = 0.401, P 〈 0.01）, VEGFR-3 and Gleason scores （rs = 0.581, P 〈 0.001） and MVD and VEGF （rs = 0.492, P 〈 0.001）. Conclusion： Increased expressions of VEGF and VEGF-C were closely associ- ated with progression of PCa. The main contribution of increased VEGF expression for PCa progression was to upregulate MVD, which maintained the growth advantage of tumor tissue. However, the chief role of increased expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 was to enhance lymphangiogenesis and provide a main pathway for cancer cells to disseminate. （Asian J Androl 2006 Mar; 8： 169-175）     

VEGF-C和VEGF-D蛋白表达在胰腺癌淋巴转移中的意义

目的探讨胰腺癌中VEGF-C、VEGF-D蛋白表达与淋巴结转移之间的相关关系,阐明癌周淋巴管增生在胰腺癌淋巴转移中的作用及意义。方法免疫组化检测30例胰腺癌组织中VEGF-C、VEGF-D的表达及其与临床病理、淋巴结转移的关系。结果胰腺癌VEGF-C、VEGF-D蛋白表达阳性率分别为73%(22/30)、57%(17/30),肿瘤周边部位显著高于肿瘤中心部位,其表达与肿瘤的部位、分化程度、组织学类型无关,与肿瘤的TNM分期有关,Ⅲ~Ⅳ期显著高于Ⅰ~Ⅱ期。在VEGF-C、VEGF-D蛋白阳性组,淋巴结转移均显著增多。结论VEGF-C和VEGF-D与诱导胰腺癌淋巴管生成,促进肿瘤细胞淋巴道转移有关。     

胰腺癌组织中血管内皮生长因子和肿瘤相关巨噬细胞与淋巴结转移的关系

目的研究胰腺癌组织中血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）表达和肿瘤相关巨噬细胞（tumour-associated macrophages,TAMs）计数与淋巴结转移的关系。方法采用免疫组织化学染色,在光镜下对VEGF阳性细胞评分及TAMs计数进行分析。结果胰腺癌组织中VEGF表达阳性率明显高于正常组织（P〈0.01）;淋巴结转移组VEGF的表达和TAMs计数较未转移组明显增高（P〈0.05）;VEGF的表达与胰腺癌临床病理分期无明显关系（P〉0.05）;TAMs计数与胰腺癌临床病理分期有明显关系（P〈0.01）;VEGF的表达与TAMs计数呈正相关（r=0.663,P〈0.01）。结论VEGF和TAMs的表达均与胰腺癌淋巴结转移有密切关系。     

Defining the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor in pancreatic cancer grown in vitro

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a novel epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Erlotinib, on pancreatic cancer cell lines of varying differentiation in vitro. METHODS: Six pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPc-1, CAPAN-1, HPAC, HPAF-II, Mia PaCa-2, PANC-1) were grown in the presence of 50 microM or 100 microM of Erlotinib or recombinant EGF. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT assay over 72 hours. The EGF receptor gene and protein expression were determined by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry respectively. RESULTS: All cell lines demonstrated the presence of the EGF receptor gene and its gene product. Five of six cell lines showed significant growth inhibition at 72 hours compared with controls (P <0.05). The EGF augmentation increased proliferation of each cell line but this increase was only significant in AsPc-1. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of EGF receptor is a valid therapeutic strategy in pancreatic cancer.     

作好胰头癌外科治疗的基本策略与思考

胰头癌是恶性程度极高的消化系统肿瘤,起病隐匿,发展迅速,极易侵犯肠系膜血管及门静脉,手术切除率较低.胰十二指肠切除术作为胰头癌外科治疗的主要手术方式,手术难度及创伤较大,手术方式及切除范围仍存在一定争议.外科医师应该在手术安全性、可切除性及根治性三方面作好充分的思考、采取妥善的策略.

Abstract：

Pancreatic head cancer is one of the most malignant tumor in gastrointestinal tract, which has the characteristics of rapid progression and low resection rate due to the involving of superior mesenteric vessels and portal vein. Pancreaticoduodenectomy still plays the center role in surgical management of pancreatic head cancer, however it remains some controversial in operative methods choice and extended pancreatectomy procedure. Surgeons should take sufficient considerations and make appropriate strategy preoperatively to ensure the safety, resectability and radical resection of surgery treatment.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated angiogenesis inhibition and postoperative wound healing in rats

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor that acts by binding to specific high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors. SU5416 is an antiangiogenic agent that acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of the VEGF Flk-1/KDR receptor tyrosine kinase. SU5416 has been shown to inhibit VEGF-dependent mitogenesis of human endothelial cells and to decrease the growth of xenografts of melanoma, lung carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and gliomas. The effect of pre- or perioperative use of this drug on angiogenesis and wound healing in the postoperative setting has not been shown. We sought to analyze the efficacy and safety with respect to functional dosing of SU5416 in the setting of wound healing. This represents an important step forward in the use of this and similar drugs in the perioperative setting of treatment for multiple types of cancers. The use of an inhibitor of VEGF receptors such as SU5416 is distinct and it is likely complementary to other agents in the treatment of such cancers. METHODS: We injected 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats with SU5416 (8 or 12 mg/kg) or dimethyl sulfoxide intraperitoneally, daily for 14 days. We then performed a right pulmonary lobectomy and 6-mm full-thickness punch biopsies of the back. Tissue perfusion measured via laser Doppler on Postoperative Day 2 was 1.65, 1.22, and 1.14 perfusion units (P < 0.0004) for control, 8 mg/kg, and 12 mg/kg groups, respectively. RESULTS: We successfully treated a murine model with functional doses of the anti-VEGF drug SU5416 so as to achieve decreased vascularity and blood flow in postoperative wounds. There was no effect on gross wound healing or infection in either control or treatment groups. Also, no drug-related impairment of histologic healing or decrease in wound tensile strength was demonstrated at either 6 or 14 days. CONCLUSION: Preoperative therapy with functional dosing of SU5416 does not appear to have any major effect on postoperative morbidity or mortality in rats. We additionally conclude that preoperative therapy with SU5416 should be investigated further with careful attention to wound integrity.     

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition improves survival in an orthotopic model of human pancreatic cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the growth and invasiveness of primary and metastatic tumors. Hypothesizing that MMP inhibition would slow cancer growth, the MMP inhibitor BB-94 (batimistat) was evaluated in an orthotopic animal model of human pancreatic carcinoma. Ten million human pancreatic cancer cells were surgically implanted into the pancreata of 30 athymic nu/nu mice. Intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg BB-94 or vehicle control began 7 days after tumor implantation (13 mice with confirmed implantations in each group) and continued daily for 21 days, and then three times weekly until death or sacrifice at day 70. Representative tumors harvested from mice in each group were analyzed for presence and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Animal weights were significantly higher in the BB-94-treated group at sacrifice (mean 58.4 ±7.9 g vs. 39.8 ±6.2 g; P<0.05, Student’s t test). The likelihood of survival to 70 days was significantly higher in the treated group (4 of 13 vs. 0 of 13, P <0.05, Z-test for end points) than in the control group as was overall survival (P = 0.03, Wilcoxon test). Nine mice in the control group developed metastases to the liver, peritoneum, abdominal wall, or local lymph nodes, whereas only two mice in the BB-94 group had evidence of metastatic disease (P <0.02, Fisher’s exact test), in both instances confined to the abdominal wall. Tumors from treated mice manifested lower MMP activity than those from control animals. These reports support the use of MMP inhibitors alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Presented in part at the Thirty-Seventh Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, Calif., May 19–22, 1996.     

血管内皮生长因子与治疗性血管生成研究进展

血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growtll factor,VEGF)是内皮细胞特异的有丝分裂原,有促进内皮细胞增生、增强血管通透性、加速新血管形成的作用.血管生成是一个具有重要生理、病理意义的过程.在人体的创伤愈合、炎症反应、器官再生过程以及肿瘤生长转移、血管增生性疾病中,血管生成有重要作用.治疗性血管生成是指利用成血管诱导因子或内皮祖细胞,模拟体内血管生成机制,促进新生血管形成,改善侧支循环.本文就VEGF和治疗性血管生成研究进展做一综述.     

血管内皮生长因子基因在人胚胎胰岛干细胞中的表达

目的 构建含血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)基因的慢病毒载体,转染人胚胎来源的胰岛干细胞(hPSC),探讨VEGF在胰岛干细胞中的体外表达水平及其影响因素.方法 将VEGF基因克隆入慢病毒载体,利用293T细胞包装出病毒,按拷贝数分别为2、5、10转染胰岛干细胞,测定不同转染组VEGF的分泌水平.结果 含VEGF的病毒上清可以在体外培养条件下成功转染胰岛干细胞,经潮霉素筛选3 d后,对照组及拷贝数分别为2、5、10的转染组每1×106个细胞每小时VEGF的分泌量分别为(60.3±13.4)、(1622.0±302.0)、(2270.0±340.0)、(3090.0±465.0)ng/L.对照组与转染组间(P＜0.05)以及各转染组之间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 含VEGF的慢病毒载体可以成功转染人胚胎来源的胰岛干细胞,使其持续高表达VEGF,通过改变转染拷贝数可在一定水平上控制VEGF的分泌水平.

Abstract：

Objective To transfect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene into human pancreatic stem cells (hPSC) by lentiviral vectors. Methods VEGF gene was sub-cloned into the lentiviral transfer vectors which also encoded hygromycin gene. The recombinant lentiviral vectors were packaged by 293T cells through three plasmids transient co-transfection method using standard lipofectamine reagent.The viral titers were tested by transfecting 293T cells. hPSC were transducted under different multiplicity of infection (MOI). VEGF secretion level was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Lentiviral vectors encoding VEGF and hygromycin resistance gene were constructed. Using lentiviral vectors encoding VEGF, we successfully transfected hPSC, and the transfected hPSC expressed VEGF continuously. On the day 3 after screening by hygromycin, the content of VEGF secreted by 1 × 106 cells per h was (60. 3 ± 13.4), ( 1622.0 ±302. 0), (2270. 0 ±340. 0), (3090. 0 ±465. 0) ng/L respectively when MOI was 0, 2, 5 and 10. The results indicated that VEGF expression was influenced by MOI ( P ＜ 0. 05 ).Conclusion Lentiviral vectors encoding VEGF and hygromycin resistance gene were constructed and could be used to transfect human pancreatic stem cells successfully.