Bevacizumab up-regulates expression of VEGFR2 in HepG2 cells

Objective To study the role of bevacizumab in up-regulation of VEGFR2 expression in HepG2 cells. Methods Tumor microenvironment was simulated by decreasing the VEGF concentration with bevacizumab monoantibody. Expression of VEGF2 in HepG2 cells was detected by RT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot, respectively. Results The VEGF concentration was signi fi cantly decreased (P< 0.05) and the soluble VEGFR2 concentration was signi fi cantly increased in medium (P< 0.05). No signi fi cant change occurred in the VEGF and VEGFR1 expression level (P> 0.05) whereas the expression of VEGFR2 was signi fi cantly upregulated in HepG2 cells (P< 0.05). Conclusion Bevacizumab up-regulates the expression of VEGF2 in HepG2 cells.