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Published on: March 10, 2020
Vascular endothelial growth factor in heart failure
Ziad Taimeh1, John Loughran, Emma J Birks
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in new blood vessel formation. This review explores VEGF
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Heart failure involves a critical imbalance in oxygen supply and demand.
- Dysfunctional blood vessel formation is a hallmark of advanced heart failure.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is central to angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological role of VEGF in heart failure.
- To examine the therapeutic potential of targeting VEGF for heart failure treatment.
- To explore VEGF as an adjunct to stem cell therapy in heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical investigations on VEGF in heart failure.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for VEGF-targeted therapies.
- Examination of VEGF's role in angiogenesis and stem cell interactions.
Main Results:
- VEGF is crucial for new blood vessel formation in heart failure.
- Previous clinical trials targeting VEGF alone have not shown benefit.
- VEGF may have potential as adjuvant therapy with stem cells.
Conclusions:
- Targeting VEGF alone has not proven effective for heart failure.
- VEGF's role in angiogenesis warrants further investigation for therapeutic strategies.
- Combining VEGF therapy with stem cell transplantation is a promising avenue.
Abstract:
Heart failure is a devastating condition, the progression of which culminates in a mismatch of oxygen supply and demand, with limited options for treatment. Heart failure has several underlying causes including, but not limited to, ischaemic heart disease, valvular dysfunction, and hypertensive heart disease. Dysfunctional blood vessel formation is a major problem in advanced heart failure, regardless of the aetiology. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the cornerstone cytokine involved in the formation of new vessels. A multitude of investigations, at both the preclinical and clinical levels, have garnered valuable information on the potential utility of targeting VEGF as a treatment option for heart failure. However, clinical trials of VEGF gene therapy in patients with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease have not, to date, demonstrated clinical benefit. In this Review, we outline the biological characterization of VEGF, and examine the evidence for its potential therapeutic application, including the novel concept of VEGF as adjuvant therapy to stem cell transplantation, in patients with heart failure.
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