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Published on: April 13, 2015
The coronary collateral circulation: genetic and environmental determinants in experimental models and humans
Paul F A Teunissen1, Anton J G Horrevoets, Niels van Royen
1Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Coronary artery obstruction triggers collateral vessel growth, but patient capacity varies significantly. Genetic and non-genetic factors influence this arteriogenic response, impacting coronary blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
- Physiology
Background:
- Coronary artery obstruction initiates an arteriogenic response, involving collateral network enlargement to compensate for reduced blood flow.
- Significant patient-to-patient variability exists in the development of coronary collateral circulation.
- This heterogeneity suggests a crucial role for both genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genetic and non-genetic determinants contributing to the heterogeneity of coronary collateral circulation.
- To explore the factors influencing the arteriogenic response in coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating coronary collateral circulation.
- Analysis of genetic and non-genetic factors influencing arteriogenesis.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on the variability of collateral development.
Main Results:
- Coronary collateral circulation capacity is highly heterogeneous among individuals and species.
- Both genetic predispositions and environmental influences significantly shape the arteriogenic response.
- Understanding these determinants is key to addressing perfusion deficits.
Conclusions:
- The development of coronary collateral circulation is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and non-genetic factors.
- This variability is a critical consideration in managing patients with coronary artery disease.
- Further research into these determinants could lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Obstruction of coronary arteries leads to an arteriogenic response. Pre-existent collateral networks enlarge, forming large conductance arteries with the capability to compensate for the loss of perfusion due to the occlusion. Interestingly, significant differences exist between patients regarding the capacity to develop such a collateral circulation. This heterogeneity in arteriogenic response is also found between and even within animal species and it strongly suggests that next to environmental factors, innate genetic factors play a key role. The present review focuses on this heterogeneity of genetic as well as non-genetic determinants of the coronary collateral circulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Coronary Blood Flow".
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