Circulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-1 in Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor-1 (VEGF-1) is a heterodimer with a glycoprotein structure that belongs to the superfamily of vascular endothelial growth factors with pronounced angiopoetic capacity in vivo. VEGF-1 is expressed in tissue due to hypoxia and inflammation by wide spectrum of the cells and contributes angiogenesis and neovascularization by several mechanisms. A paracrine regulation of the VEGF-1 activity is mediated by a specific solubilized receptor that plays a key role in a reduction of ischemic tissue injury by inducing target organ protection, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis. The clinical correlations of circulating levels of VEGF-1 in subjects with cardiovascular diseases are largely unclear. It has been suggested that exaggerated VEGF-1 level would confer a better prognosis in CAD patients, while a negative effect of neovascularization in plaque region supported by VEGF-1 is defined. Therefore, the negative effect of VEGF-1 on progression in age-related diseases, such as early diabetic retinopathy, has been reported. This chapter is dedicated to the discussion of the controversial role of the VEGF-1 among patients with cardiovascular disease and an assay to predictive value of VEGF-1 as biomarker at risk stratification.