Therapeutic Angiogenesis using Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)

Authors: Morishita R.; Aoki M.; Hashiya N.; Yamasaki K.; Kurinami H.; Shimizu S.; Makino H.; Takesya Y.; Azuma J.; Ogihara T.

Source: Current Gene Therapy, Volume 4, Number 2, June 2004 , pp. 199-206(8)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

HGF is a mesenchyme-derived pleiotropic factor, which regulates cell growth, cell motility, and morphogenesis of various types of cells and is thus considered a humoral mediator of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions responsible for morphogenic tissue interactions during embryonic development and organogenesis. Although HGF was originally identified as a potent mitogen for hepatocytes, it has also been identified as a member of angiogenic growth factors. Interestingly, the presence of its specific receptor, c-met, is observed in vascular cells and cardiac myocytes. In addition, among growth factors, the mitogenic action of HGF on human endothelial cells was most potent. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential application of HGF to treat cardiovascular diseases such as peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we will discuss a potential therapeutic strategy using HGF in cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: angiogenesis; restenosis; gene therapy; peripheral vascular disease; myocardial infarction

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1566523043346453

Affiliations: 1: Associate Professor,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan.

Publication date: 2004-06-01