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Plasma growth factor activity and cardiac wall thickness
C Lemne1, S Volk-Jovinge, J Nilsson
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, King Gustaf Vth Research Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Journal of Internal Medicine
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Growth factor activity in plasma (GFAP) may contribute to cardiac hypertrophy in hypertension. However, this effect is not directly linked to blood pressure levels alone.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hypertension Studies
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Hypertension is associated with cardiac structural changes.
- The role of growth factors in hypertensive cardiac remodeling requires further investigation.
- Platelet activation is a potential factor in cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate growth factor activity in plasma (GFAP) in hypertension.
- To correlate GFAP with blood pressure, cardiac structure, and platelet activation.
- To assess GFAP and platelet activity at rest and during exercise.
Main Methods:
- Study included 15 untreated hypertensive and 15 normotensive subjects.
- GFAP measured by smooth muscle cell proliferation assay.
- Cardiac structure assessed by echocardiography; platelet activity by urinary thromboxane metabolite.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in GFAP or platelet activation between groups.
- Hypertensive group showed increased septum and posterior wall thickness.
- Posterior wall thickness correlated with GFAP and blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- GFAP may play a role in early cardiac hypertrophy in hypertension.
- The link between GFAP and cardiac hypertrophy is not solely dependent on blood pressure.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of GFAP in hypertension.