The therapeutic potential of hepatocyte growth factor for myocardial infarction and heart failure

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine whose multipotent actions are mediated by c-Met receptor. This review focuses on effects of HGF on myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure. Circulating concentrations of HGF and myocardial concentrations of HGF and c-Met mRNA and protein are substantially increased following acute MI. HGF has been shown to be cardioprotective towards acute cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. Gene transfection of HGF into rat hearts attenuates acute ischemia injury. Administration of HGF protein reduces infarct size and increases cardiac performance in a rat model of acute ischemia/reperfusion. In contrast, acute blockade of endogenous HGF increases infarct size and mortality. These acute effects of HGF appear to be related to angiogenic and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Recent studies demonstrate that post-MI treatment with HGF gene or protein attenuates chronic cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. In rats, HGF gene transfer following large MI results in preserved cardiac function and geometry in association with angiogenesis and reduced apoptosis, and treatment with recombinant HGF also significantly improves cardiac performance measured 8 weeks after MI. In mice, post-MI HGF gene therapy improves cardiac remodeling and dysfunction through hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, infarct wall thickening, preservation of vessels, and antifibrosis. In addition, gene transfer of HGF improves cardiac remodeling, angiogenesis and regional myocardial function in the chronic ischemic myocardium of dogs. Together, these preclinical data highlight the significant acute and chronic cardioprotective effects of HGF following ischemic heart failure. Clinical trials are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of HGF for postinfarction heart failure in humans.