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FGF-1: a human growth factor in the induction of neoangiogenesis

T J Stegmann1

  • 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Fulda Medical Center, Fulda, Germany. skf-heart.stegmann@t-online.de

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|July 5, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Gene therapy using angiogenic growth factors like FGF-1 offers a new treatment for coronary heart disease. Clinical studies show it can increase capillary density, improving blood flow in heart tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Current coronary heart disease treatments focus on symptom relief and preventing myocardial infarction.
  • Existing therapies include reducing oxygen demand, managing disease progression, revascularization (pharmacological/mechanical), and bypass surgery.
  • Gene therapy with angiogenic growth factors is an emerging treatment for cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential of angiogenic growth factors as a novel therapeutic approach for coronary heart disease.
  • To investigate the efficacy of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in promoting neovascularization in ischemic heart tissue.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental research on angiogenic growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
  • First clinical studies involving patients with coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular lesions.
  • Local intramyocardial injection of FGF-1 in patients with coronary heart disease.

Main Results:

  • Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) demonstrated effectiveness in initiating neovascularization in hypoxic tissues.
  • The first clinical study reported a threefold increase in capillary density in the myocardium following FGF-1 treatment.
  • This indicates successful angiogenesis mediated by the growth factor in the human heart.

Conclusions:

  • Angiogenic therapy represents a new treatment modality for coronary heart disease by regulating blood vessel growth.
  • This approach holds potential as a fourth principle of treatment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, complementing existing therapies.
  • Further research into angiogenic therapy could significantly advance cardiovascular disease management.

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