Therapeutic angiogenesis: a new treatment modality for ischemic heart disease

Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation, and has potential clinical use in the management of ischemic heart disease. A considerable amount of ongoing research has recently focused on the process of angiogenesis, including the identification of various factors that can inhibit or stimulate this process. The picture that is emerging suggests that a complex set of interactions involving various cells and cellular products is the key to angiogenesis. In particular, endothelial cells and growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor, appear to play integral roles in angiogenesis. Various preclinical studies involving animal models of ischemia explored the potential use of angiogenesis in ischemic disease. Based on encouraging results, a number of clinical trials involving angiogenesis have been initiated to determine whether the process of angiogenesis also offers therapeutic benefit in humans.