Therapeutic Targeting of Angiogenesis

Pharmacological neovascular targeting has been technically limited by restricted specificity of presumed neovascular markers. In particular, many markers, such as E-selectin, that are upregulated during angiogenesis may also be upregulated during endothelial cell activation in other contexts, or they may play important protective roles in the host response to injury or infection. 

BIKUNIN (URINARY TRYPSIN INHIBITOR) STRUCTURE, BIOLOGICAL RELEVANCE, 

Michael J. Pugia, Roland Valdes, Jr.,1 and Saeed A. Jortani1  

MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinase activation 

Bikunin (Bik), a peptide excreted in the urine, is one of the primary inhibitors of the trypsin family of serine proteases. This peptide plays a key role in inflammation and innate immunity because of its two Kunitz-type binding domains [1, 2], Bik suppresses proteolytic activity in a variety of tissues and can also exert localized anti-inflammatory effect [3-5], Inflammation is an important indicator of infection, cancer, and tissue injury in acute and chronic states. In acute inflammation, fluids and plasma components accumulate in the affected tissues due to vascular dilation. Subsequent activation of platelets and increased presence of immune cells occur during repair. Long-standing inflammation may be present before the disorder is identified. Due to its inhibitory role and potential use as an early marker of inflammation, we will review the synthesis, structure, pathophysiology of Bik as well as the various approaches for its measurement in this chapter. 

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