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[Changes of serum hepatocyte growth factor in coronary artery disease]

H Suzuki1, M Murakami, T Kondo

  • 1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo.

Insights

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is elevated in acute coronary syndromes, suggesting significant endothelial cell damage. HGF may serve as a biomarker for endothelial injury in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Context:

  • Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is an endothelial cell-specific growth factor.
  • Its role in coronary artery disease (CAD) pathogenesis is not fully understood.
  • HGF is involved in endothelial repair and collateral formation.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the clinical significance of serum HGF levels in various coronary artery diseases.
  • To examine the relationship between HGF levels and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Summary:

  • Serum HGF levels were measured in patients with stable angina, old myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and AMI using ELISA.
  • HGF levels were significantly higher in UAP and AMI groups compared to controls.
  • In AMI patients, HGF peaked 48 hours post-reperfusion, with higher levels in the coronary sinus than peripheral veins.
  • No correlation was found between peak HGF and cardiac damage markers (CK, CK-MB, ejection fraction, cardiac index).

Impact:

  • Elevated serum HGF in acute coronary syndrome indicates advanced endothelial cell damage.
  • HGF is produced, at least partially, in the heart during AMI.
  • Serum HGF may be a valuable biomarker for detecting endothelial cell damage in AMI, rather than myocardial damage.

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