[Pathophysiologic significance of growth factors and new therapeutic concepts in cardiovascular disease]

Abstract

Peptide growth factors such as PDGF, FGF, VEGF, and TGF-beta play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to their pathophysiological role in atherosclerosis and myocardial remodeling, growth factors also promote beneficial effects such as stimulation of angiogenesis and formation of collateral vessels in ischemic tissue. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action and signal relay cascades of peptide growth factors, and summarizes novel therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular medicine. These approaches include both inhibition of growth factors in order to suppress pathogenic processes, and stimulation of growth factors to promote their beneficial effects.