Biological effects of a software-controlled voltage pulse generator (PhyBack PBK-2C) on the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
BACKGROUND
Electrical stimulation (ES) may induce vascular permeability and physiological angiogenesis. ES of rat muscles significantly increases the microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels. Thus, a pilot study was designed to analyze the effects of low-voltage electric impulses on VEGF levels in patients with dystrophic ulcers.


METHODS
Circulating VEGF levels were analyzed in 9 patients undergoing an ES session with low voltage software-controlled impulses applied through topical transducers (1-9 micros width, 1-420-Hz frequency and 30-120 V strength-100 microA max).


RESULTS
The session was accompanied by a peak of circulating VEGF (3-10 min from start) in all 9 patients, which was preceded by a rise of TNF-alpha (2-min) and was independently associated with soluble E-selectin levels. Nitric oxide generation was significantly improved on the day after treatment. No hemostatic activation or sustained inflammatory reaction were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
ES may represent a safe method for augmenting VEGF-mediated vascular protection, either directly or by induction of NO.
Ferroni
P
P
Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy. Patrizia.Ferroni@sanraffaele.it
Roselli
M
M
Guadagni
F
F
Martini
F
F
Mariotti
S
S
Marchitelli
E
E
Cipriani
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D019040:E-Selectin / Q000097:blood; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012984:Software; D012995:Solubility; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D016207:Cytokines; D019040:E-Selectin; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D009569:Nitric Oxide