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Immediate increase in circulating hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor by heparin
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaracho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606, Japan.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
|November 4, 1998
Summary
Heparin administration significantly increases circulating hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels in both rats and humans. This HGF release may partly explain heparin's beneficial effects on angiogenesis and collateral blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Angiogenesis Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels increase during myocardial infarction.
- HGF is hypothesized to promote angiogenesis and collateral vessel growth.
- Heparin is known to enhance angiogenesis and improve collateral blood flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of heparin on the release of HGF.
- To determine if heparin administration leads to increased circulating HGF levels.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study involving intravenous heparin administration to rats.
- Plasma HGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- A clinical study administering heparin to patients during cardiac catheterization, with HGF measurements from various blood samples.
Main Results:
- Heparin caused a dose-dependent increase in circulating HGF in rats.
- Peak HGF levels in rats were observed 10 minutes after heparin injection.
- In patients, heparin administration led to a rapid and significant increase in circulating HGF levels within 3 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Heparin administration stimulates the release of HGF.
- The release of HGF may be a mechanism by which heparin promotes angiogenesis.
- These findings suggest a link between heparin, HGF, and improved cardiovascular blood flow.