Suramin inhibits proliferation of human arterial smooth muscle cells in vitro: potential drug for prevention of restenosis by local drug delivery.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Suramin is known to inhibit proliferation of various tumor cells. This study was performed to investigate the effect of suramin on proliferating human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMC) and thus to examine its suitability for the prevention of restenosis. METHOD: Proliferation of HASMC was stimulated with human whole blood serum (HWBS), as well as with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Proliferation was assessed by measuring DNA synthesis and cell viability was assessed by measuring mitochondrial activity. RESULTS: Suramin exerted a strong attenuating effect on the proliferation stimulators HWBS, PDGF, and bFGF. A suramin concentration of 0.5 mmol/L, which is approximately twice the dosage used for systemic application, was sufficient for complete neutralization of proliferation stimulation by 10% HWBS added to the cell culture medium. CONCLUSION: The authors' data demonstrate a strong proliferation inhibiting effect of suramin on HASMC in vitro. Because it is known to interact not only with one but with a multitude of relevant growth factors, these results make suramin a most interesting substance for local application for prevention of hyperplastic neointima formation.