Atherosclerotic plaque development and instability: a dual role for VEGF.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent growth factor for endothelial cells and inducer of angiogenesis, is important for endothelial integrity and thus for vascular function. On the other hand, VEGF may enhance the pathophysiologic mechanism of plaque formation and plaque destabilization. In this review we discuss the data available so far for VEGF as angiogenic and/or inflammatory cytokine in the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.
Holm
Pieter W
PW
Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Slart
Riemer H J A
RH
Zeebregts
Clark J
CJ
Hillebrands
Jan L
JL
Tio
René A
RA
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000502:physiology*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A