title: Angiogenic growth factors in cardiac allograft rejection.
abstract: Normal adult vasculature is in a quiescent state. In transplanted hearts, peri- and postoperative ischemic and alloimmune stimuli may be interpreted as inadequate tissue perfusion leading to activation of angiogenic signaling. Although this may have protective functions, improper activation of cardiac allograft endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells may actually result in impaired survival of cardiac allografts. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on angiogenic growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietins, and platelet-derived growth factor in cardiac allografts. We also discuss the potential for therapies aimed at angiogenic growth factors in preventing and treating cardiac allograft rejection and transplant coronary artery disease.
authors.affiliation: Cardiopulmonary Research Group, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Antti I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Nykänen
authors.forename: Jussi M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tikkanen
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krebs
authors.forename: Mikko A I
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Keränen
authors.forename: Roope K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Sihvola
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sandelin
authors.forename: Raimo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tuuminen
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Raisky
authors.forename: Petri K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Koskinen
authors.forename: Karl B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Lemström
mesh_terms: D042501:Angiogenic Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic
chemical_list: D042501:Angiogenic Proteins