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The assessment of platelet derived growth factor concentration in post myocardial infarction and stable angina
J M Wallace1, J C Freeburn, W S Gilmore
1Northern Ireland Centre for Diet and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK.
Insights
Plasma platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) levels are significantly elevated in patients post-myocardial infarction (MI). This finding suggests PDGF may play a role in accelerating atherosclerosis progression after heart attack.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
- PDGF is released by activated platelets and monocytes at sites of arterial injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and compare plasma PDGF concentrations in patients after myocardial infarction (MI), patients with angina, and healthy control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Plasma PDGF concentrations were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Blood samples were collected from post-MI patients (n=28), angina patients (n=25), and control subjects (n=27).
Main Results:
- Plasma PDGF concentrations were significantly higher in the post-MI group compared to both the control and angina groups (P < 0.05).
- Elevated PDGF may result from increased platelet or monocyte activation.
Conclusions:
- Higher circulating PDGF levels in post-MI patients could potentially accelerate atherosclerotic disease progression.
- PDGF warrants further investigation as a biomarker and therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease.
Abstract:
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. PDGF is released by aggregating platelets and monocytes which gather around sites of arterial injury. In the study reported here the concentration of plasma PDGF was measured in post myocardial infarction (MI) patients (n = 28), angina patients (n = 25), and control subjects (n = 27). Venous blood samples were taken and the concentration of PDGF determined by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma PDGF concentrations were significantly higher in the post MI group compared to both the control and angina groups (P < or = 0.05). The increase in PDGF concentration may be due to increased activation of platelets or monocytes since these two cells are major sources of plasma PDGF. High concentrations of PDGF in the circulation could further accelerate the progression of the disease.