Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We also examined the involvement of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which are a possible source of VEGF in AMI.
Background:
VEGF is a potent endothelial cell-specific mitogen and could affect the outcome of AMI.
Methods:
Thirty patients with AMI were used for this study. Serum and PBMCs were isolated from peripheral blood on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 after the onset of AMI. PBMCs were cultured at a density of 5 x 10(6) cells/ml for 24 h. VEGF levels in serum and the culture media were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a specific anti-human VEGF antibody.
Results:
Serum VEGF levels elevated gradually after the onset of AMI and reached a peak on day 14. VEGF levels in the culture medium of PBMCs after incubation for 24 h (PBMC-VEGF) were maximally elevated 7 days after the onset. Maximum serum VEGF levels showed significant positive correlations with maximum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels (r = +0.70, p < 0.001), but maximum PBMC-VEGF levels did not correlate with maximum CPK levels. Patients showing improvement in left ventricular systolic function during the course of AMI showed significantly higher PBMC-VEGF levels than patients without improvement.
Conclusions:
The extent of myocardial damage contributes to the elevation of serum VEGF levels in AMI. VEGF produced by PBMCs may play an important role in the improvement of left ventricular function by promoting angiogenesis and reendothelialization after AMI.
Insights
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels increase after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). VEGF from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) may improve heart function post-AMI.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key mitogen for endothelial cells.
- VEGF influences the clinical outcome of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical significance of VEGF in AMI.
- To investigate the role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a source of VEGF in AMI.
Main Methods:
- Serum and PBMCs were collected from 30 AMI patients on days 1, 7, 14, and 21.
- VEGF levels in serum and PBMC culture media were measured using ELISA.
- Correlations between VEGF levels, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and left ventricular function were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Serum VEGF peaked on day 14 post-AMI, correlating with creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels.
- PBMC-derived VEGF peaked on day 7 and was higher in patients with improved left ventricular function.
- PBMC-VEGF levels did not correlate with CPK levels.
Conclusions:
- Myocardial damage extent influences serum VEGF levels in AMI.
- VEGF produced by PBMCs may promote angiogenesis and reendothelialization, aiding left ventricular function recovery after AMI.
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