Angiogenic synergism, vascular stability and improvement of hind-limb ischemia by a combination of PDGF-BB and FGF-2

R Cao, E Bråkenhielm, R Pawliuk, D Wariaro… - Nature medicine, 2003 - nature.com
R Cao, E Bråkenhielm, R Pawliuk, D Wariaro, MJ Post, E Wahlberg, P Leboulch, Y Cao
Nature medicine, 2003nature.com
The establishment of functional and stable vascular networks is essential for angiogenic
therapy. Here we report that a combination of two angiogenic factors, platelet-derived growth
factor (PDGF)-BB and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, synergistically induces vascular
networks, which remain stable for more than a year even after depletion of angiogenic
factors. In both rat and rabbit ischemic hind limb models, PDGF-BB and FGF-2 together
markedly stimulated collateral arteriogenesis after ligation of the femoral artery, with a …
Abstract
The establishment of functional and stable vascular networks is essential for angiogenic therapy. Here we report that a combination of two angiogenic factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, synergistically induces vascular networks, which remain stable for more than a year even after depletion of angiogenic factors. In both rat and rabbit ischemic hind limb models, PDGF-BB and FGF-2 together markedly stimulated collateral arteriogenesis after ligation of the femoral artery, with a significant increase in vascularization and improvement in paw blood flow. A possible mechanism of angiogenic synergism between PDGF-BB and FGF-2 involves upregulation of the expression of PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-α and PDGFR-β by FGF-2 in newly formed blood vessels. Our data show that a specific combination of angiogenic factors establishes functional and stable vascular networks, and provides guidance for the ongoing clinical trials of angiogenic factors for the treatment of ischemic diseases.
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