Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
In Vitro Model of Coronary Angiogenesis
Published on: March 10, 2020
Vascular endothelial growth factor in coronary sinus: evidence for its association with coronary collaterals
Tsung-Hsien Lin1, Hsueh-Wei Yen, Wen-Chol Voon
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration in the coronary sinus and right atrium is linked to coronary collateral formation. Transforming growth factor beta one (TGF-beta(1)) did not show a significant relationship.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Medical Science
Background:
- Coronary collateral formation is a compensatory mechanism in response to coronary artery disease.
- The role of local growth factors in promoting collateralization remains an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of local concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor beta one (TGF-beta(1)) on the development of coronary collaterals.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from the coronary sinus and right atrium of 36 patients undergoing coronary angiography.
- Concentrations of VEGF and TGF-beta(1) were measured.
- Coronary collateral formation was assessed and correlated with growth factor levels and stenosis severity.
Main Results:
- Patients with coronary collaterals exhibited a higher number of diseased vessels and greater stenosis severity.
- Significantly higher VEGF concentrations were found in the coronary sinus and right atrium of patients with collaterals.
- No significant association was observed between coronary collateral formation and TGF-beta(1) levels.
Conclusions:
- Local VEGF concentration is positively associated with coronary collateral formation.
- These findings suggest a paracrine role for endogenous VEGF in the pathophysiological development of coronary collaterals.
Objectives:
To explore whether local growth factors concentration, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor beta one (TGF-beta(1)), influence the formation of coronary collaterals.
Design:
Thirty-six patients scheduled for coronary angiography received a 6F Goodale-Lubin catheterization to collect blood from the coronary sinus (CS) and right atrium (RA).
Results:
Patients with coronary collaterals had a higher number of diseased vessels (2.6+/-0.2 vs. 1.4+/-0.3, p = 0.005), higher percentage of severity of stenosis (93+/-2 vs. 48+/-8, P < 0.001) and higher VEGF concentrations in CS (38.9+/-3.9 pg/ml vs. 20.8+/-1.4 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and in RA (31.7+/-3.1 pg/ml vs. 22.0+/-2.3 pg/ml, p = 0.004). There was no significant relationship between coronary collateral formation and TGF-beta(1) concentration. By binary logistic regression analysis, VEGF concentrations in CS (p = 0.030) and stenosis severity (p = 0.042) are correlated positively with collateral formation.
Conclusions:
The association between local, endogenous secretion of VEGF and coronary collateral formation is compatible with a paracrine role for this growth factor in pathophysiologic collateral formation.
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