[Vascular endothelial growth factor and its application in therapy of cardiovascular diseases]

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of about 45,000 and it is an endothelial cell specific mitogen. The essential function of VEGF is induction of angiogenesis and stimulation of endothelial proliferation. Since few years there are some clinical trials using VEGF in the field of: stimulation of reendothelialization and prevention of restenosis after revascularization, therapy of peripheral vascular disorders leading to ischemic limb, therapy of ischemic heart disease through neoangiogenesis. First group of mentioned studies is making use of ability of VEGF to stimulate the endothelial proliferation and accelerate its regeneration. Second and third group of clinical trials is taking advantage of angiogenic activity of VEGF, which leads to collateral vessel development and enhancement of ischemic area perfusion. There are also studies in the field of VEGF gene therapy, which had a big advantage over treatment with VEGF-protein because it is stimulating VEGF production for even few weeks. Besides there are new ways of drug administration. The specialist of many different medicine disciplines (not only of cardiovascular diseases) are interested in VEGF. The results of their studies are pointing at purposefulness of continuing them and making that VEGF is having bigger and bigger importance in medicine.