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VEGF-A in Cardiomyocytes and Heart Diseases

Mariantonia Braile1,2, Simone Marcella1,2, Leonardo Cristinziano1,2

  • 1Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a dual role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While it aids heart cell repair, high levels are linked to poor prognosis, suggesting therapeutic control is key.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Angiogenesis Research
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is central to angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels.
  • Cardiomyocytes (CM) produce and respond to VEGF-A, expressing its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2.
  • VEGF-A's role in the heart is complex, influencing CM function and being produced during cardiac stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the expression and effects of VEGF-A on cardiomyocytes.
  • To explore the role of VEGF-A in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of controlling angiogenesis and VEGF-A in heart disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current knowledge on VEGF-A and cardiomyocytes.
  • Analysis of studies on VEGF-A's involvement in various cardiovascular conditions.
  • Examination of clinical data regarding angiogenesis therapy for heart disease.

Main Results:

  • VEGF-A activates cardiomyocytes, promoting morphogenesis, contractility, and wound healing.
  • Cardiomyocytes produce VEGF-A in response to inflammation, mechanical stress, and cytokines.
  • Elevated VEGF-A levels in CVD patients often correlate with increased disease severity and worse outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • VEGF-A has a significant, multifaceted role in cardiovascular health and disease.
  • Understanding VEGF-A's impact on cardiomyocytes is crucial for cardiovascular research.
  • Targeting angiogenesis and VEGF-A may offer therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for heart disease patients.

Keywords:
angiogenesisatherosclerosiscardiovascular diseaseinflammationischemic heart diseasemyocardial infarction

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