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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.
Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|July 17, 2013
Summary
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.
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