title: Biological effects of a software-controlled voltage pulse generator (PhyBack PBK-2C) on the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy. Patrizia.Ferroni@sanraffaele.it
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferroni
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roselli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Guadagni
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martini
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mariotti
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marchitelli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cipriani
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D019040:E-Selectin; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D009569:Nitric Oxide