Iron induces Bcl-2 expression in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells

Iron is suspected to be involved in the induction and/or progression of var ious human tumors. The present study was designed to investigate the effect s of iron on endothelial cells, keeping in mind that the homeostasis of mic rovessels plays a critical role in neo-angiogenesis. Applying a model of hu man dermal microvascular endothelial cell terminal differentiation and deat h induced by serum deprivation, we found that iron salts (iron chloride and ferric nitrilotriacetate) provided a survival advantage to endothelial cel ls. Using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, we found that the extended cellular life span induced by iron was paralleled by an increase of Bcl-2 protein expression. Taken together, these observations suggest tha t iron may give a survival advantage to endothelial cells and represent a n ovel mechanism through which iron may contribute to tumorigenesis.