title: VEGF-E enhances endothelialization and inhibits thrombus formation on polymeric surfaces.
abstract: Thrombotic complications of long-term blood-contacting devices can be avoided by formation of an endothelial cell layer on the blood-contacting surface. The endothelial cells form a bioactive boundary between the synthetic surface and blood, regulating haemostasis and inflammation. Biofunctionalization of synthetic blood-contacting surfaces is necessary to accommodate growth of endothelial cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor E (VEGF-E) or collagen I may stimulate endothelialization of a polymeric surface coating of a prototype small diameter vascular prosthesis. VEGF-E was produced in Escherichia coli and could be easily purified in large quantities. Recombinant VEGF-E or purified collagen I was allowed to adsorb onto the polymeric surfaces and enhanced formation of an endothelial cell layer. Adsorption of VEGF-E was increased by the inclusion of the anti-coagulant drug heparin in the polymeric coating. Collagen I adsorption induced rapid thrombin generation and increased platelet adhesion on surfaces with or without heparin. VEGF-E inhibited thrombus formation, and did not interfere with the anti-thrombogenic effect of heparin. Additionally, VEGF-E did not affect platelet adhesion. Adsorption of VEGF-E, especially on heparin containing surfaces, provides an economical strategy to improve endothelialization of cardiovascular implants without disturbing blood-compatibility.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Biomaterials Research, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. menno.knetsch@bioch.unimaas.nl
authors.forename: Menno L W
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Knetsch
authors.forename: Leo H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Koole
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000494:pharmacology; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness / Q000187:drug effects; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000187:drug effects; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000166:cytology; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D024042:Collagen Type I; D011108:Polymers; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D014764:Viral Proteins