Effects of an Anticancer Agent on Brain Vessel Development of Mice on Regular and High Fat Diets

Obesity may lead to cancer as well as heart disease in young people. Mice were used to test the effect of an anticancer agent to stem the obesity caused by a high fat diet (11% fat) compared with control (4% fat) mice. The anti-VEGF antibody B20 4.1.1, a murine surrogate for AVASTIN® , works by preventing new blood vessel formation (antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor). The concern in developing animals and humans is that brain development may be compromised. Results supported this hypothesis indicating that the anti-VEGF antibody B20-4.1.1, a murine surrogate for AVASTIN®, decreased brain weights more than it decreased weight gain in either low or high fat diet. Other brain region development also appeared affected similarly. To continue with these results, the brain vessel development showed that there was a significant decrease in size leading to a decrease in brain functionalit