Vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF/VPF) in normal and atherosclerotic human arteries.

Vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF/VPF) is an endothelial-cell-specific mitogen; as such, its role in angiogenesis has been studied extensively. VEGF/VPF may also serve as a local, endogenous regulator of large-vessel endothelial cell integrity. Surprisingly, however, VEGF/VPF expression in normal and/or atherosclerotic vessels has not been previously characterized. Accordingly, we studied normal human arteries and veins as well as atherosclerotic and restenotic human coronary arteries for evidence of VEGF/VPF expression. VEGF/VPF was detected immunohistochemically in sections of normal human aorta, mammary artery, and saphenous vein. Moreover, VEGF/ VPF expression was identified in 32 (97%) of 33 pathological coronary arterial specimens; the extent of VEGF/VPF staining was graded as moderate to strong in 21 of the 32 (66%) positive specimens. VEGF/VPF double immunostaining and in situ hybridization demonstrated that smooth muscle cells constitute the principal cellular source of VEGF/VPF. VEGF/VPF immunostaining among primary atherosclerotic lesions localized predominantly to the extracellular matrix. In restenotic specimens, VEGF/VPF immunostaining was more prominently cellular, particularly among proliferating smooth muscle cells. Although VEGF/VPF expression was observed in areas of macrophage infiltration, double immunostaining failed to localize VEGF/VPF to macrophages in these foci; instead, double immunostaining clearly identified CD45RO-positive cells as responsible for VEGF/VPF expression in such areas. No correlation could be demonstrated between VEGF/VPF immunostaining and extent of vasa vasorum. These findings thus establish that postnatal VEGF/VPF expression is a feature of normal human arteries and veins and is often extensively expressed in arteries narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque. VEGF/VPF expression in the wall and/or plaque of medium to large vessels suggests a role for VEGF/VPF other than promoting angiogenesis. This role may involve maintenance and repair of luminal endothelium.     

Rat sponge implant model: a new system for evaluating angiogenic gene transfer

Therapeutic angiogenesis, either by protein injection or gene therapy, holds considerable promise for the treatment of coronary and peripheral artery diseases. Given the large number of angiogenic genes available, a simple, well defined, standard system to compare the relative angiogenic efficacy of such genes would be valuable. We have employed a replication-deficient adenovirus vector (complete E1a-, partial E1b- and partial E3-) to deliver the beta-galactosidase (beta-gal, AdLacZ) reporter gene or the human VEGF121 gene (AdGV VEGF121.10) to a rat sponge implant model of angiogenesis. beta-gal staining results reveal a transfection efficiency as high as 60% 24 h after 2x1010 particle units AdLacZ injection. Our results also indicate that a single injection of 2x1010 particle units of AdGVVEGF121.10 in the sponge results in >10, 000 pg VEGF protein expression per milligram of sponge tissue 24 h later. VEGF121 protein concentrations decreased 10-fold within 3 days and 100-fold within 7 days after injection. Significant VEGF121 protein levels were still detectable 14 days after initial virus injection. The high level of gene transfection efficiency was accompanied by enhanced angiogenesis in the sponge, a tissue devoid of any vessels before implantation. Compared to control (AdNull: adenovirus vector without the VEGF gene), AdGVVEGF121.10 induced a 2- to 3-fold up-regulation of angiogenesis at 7 and 14 days post vector injection as determined by both increased capillary number and increased tissue ingrowth. The angiogenic effects of AdGVVEGF121. 10 were dose-related in this model system. These findings demonstrate a dose-related angiogenic response to adenovirus-mediated gene therapy in this model.     

The consequences of the mechanical environment of peripheral arteries for nitinol stenting

The use of stents in peripheral arteries has not been as successful as in coronary arteries, with high rates of restenosis and stent fracture common. Normal joint flexion induces a range of forces on the arteries, which has an unknown effect on the outcomes of stenting. The objective of this study is to determine how physiological levels of vessel bending and compression following stent implantation will influence the magnitude of stent stresses and hence the risks of fatigue fracture. A further objective is to compare how this mechanical environment will influence arterial stresses following implantation of either stainless steel or nitinol stents. To this end, models of both nitinol and stainless steel stents deployed in peripheral arteries were created, with appropriate loading conditions applied. At high levels of bending and compression, the strain amplitude threshold value for fatigue failure is exceeded for nitinol stents. Bending was predicted to induce high stresses in the artery following stenting, with higher arterial stresses predicted following implantation of a stainless steel stent compared to a nitinol stent. Both bending and compression may contribute to stent fracture by increasing the strain amplitude within the stent, with the dominant factor dependant on location within the arterial tree. For the specific stent types investigated in this study, the model predictions suggest that compression is the dominant mechanical factor in terms of stent fatigue in the femoral arteries, whereas bending is the most significant factor in the popliteal artery. To increase fatigue life and reduce arterial injury, location specific stent designs are required for peripheral arteries.     

血管内皮生长因子165真核基因转染载体转染的骨骼肌细胞

背景：血管内皮生长因子基因转染治疗组织损伤的研究倍受关注,构建稳定可靠的人血管内皮生长因子真核表达载体有重要意义。 目的：克隆人血管内皮生长因子基因血管内皮生长因子165片段,构建pcDNA4-HisMax-C/VEGF165真核表达质粒,并验证其转染大鼠骨骼肌细胞的可靠性。 方法：采用反转录-聚合酶链反应技术,从人卵巢癌患者外周血中提取并扩增出血管内皮生长因子165基因片段,通过DNA重组技术将该基因片段重组于pcDNA4-HisMax-C真核表达载体上,构建成pcDNA4-HisMax-C/VEGF165重组质粒,聚合酶链反应扩增,分别用酶切电泳分析和DNA测序的方法对提取和重组DNA 进行鉴定。pcDNA4-HisMax-C/VEGF165重组质粒转染骨骼肌细胞1周后反转录-聚合酶链反应提取血管内皮生长因子基因并酶切电泳鉴定。 结果与结论：构建的重组质粒目的基因片段为人血管内皮生长因子165 cDNA,对大鼠骨骼肌细胞转染后检测到血管内皮生长因子165基因片段。提示成功地克隆了血管内皮生长因子165基因并构建了其真核表达质粒,能以此为载体转染至骨骼肌细胞,并已整合到骨骼肌的基因组参与转录,证明了其转染的有效性。     

Instructive nanofiber scaffolds with VEGF create a microenvironment for arteriogenesis and cardiac repair

Angiogenic therapy is a promising approach for tissue repair and regeneration. However, recent clinical trials with protein delivery or gene therapy to promote angiogenesis have failed to provide therapeutic effects. A key factor for achieving effective revascularization is the durability of the microvasculature and the formation of new arterial vessels. Accordingly, we carried out experiments to test whether intramyocardial injection of self-assembling peptide nanofibers (NFs) combined with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could create an intramyocardial microenvironment with prolonged VEGF release to improve post-infarct neovascularization in rats. Our data showed that when injected with NF, VEGF delivery was sustained within the myocardium for up to 14 days, and the side effects of systemic edema and proteinuria were significantly reduced to the same level as that of control. NF/VEGF injection significantly improved angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and cardiac performance 28 days after myocardial infarction. NF/VEGF injection not only allowed controlled local delivery but also transformed the injected site into a favorable microenvironment that recruited endogenous myofibroblasts and helped achieve effective revascularization. The engineered vascular niche further attracted a new population of cardiomyocyte-like cells to home to the injected sites, suggesting cardiomyocyte regeneration. Follow-up studies in pigs also revealed healing benefits consistent with observations in rats. In summary, this study demonstrates a new strategy for cardiovascular repair with potential for future clinical translation.     

Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis in the early stage of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known to receive its blood supply principally from the hepatic arteries. Recent studies have reported differences in the vascular supply, especially arterial supply among low- and high-grade dysplastic nodules (DNs) (also referred to as adenomatous hyperplasia and macroregenerative nodules) and HCCs. Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported in HCC. In addition, VEGF may play an important role in the early phases of hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS: We immunohistochemically stained 7 low-grade DNs, 8 high-grade DNs, 11 early HCCs, 17 small HCCs, and 21 advanced HCCs with antibodies against VEGF, alpha-smooth muscle actin (to identify unpaired arteries, ie, arteries not accompanied by bile ducts, indicative of angiogenesis), CD34 (as a marker of sinusoidal capillarization), and proliferation cell nuclear antigen. RESULTS: Expression of VEGF was found in the hepatocytes and HCC cells. The degree of VEGF expression increased gradually according to the stepwise development of hepatocarcinogenesis. It was higher in high-grade DNs and early HCCs than in low-grade DNs. The hepatocytes and HCC cells adjacent to peliosis and fibrous septa showed stronger VEGF expression. Angiogenesis, unpaired arteries, and sinusoidal capillarization developed from low-grade DNs and gradually increased. It was highest in HCCs. The proliferation cell nuclear antigen labeling indexes of hepatocytes and HCC cells also increased gradually as hepatocarcinogenesis progressed. Small HCCs showed a higher status of neoangiogenesis and cell proliferation activity than advanced HCCs. The degree of VEGF expression was correlated with angiogenesis and cell proliferation activity. CONCLUSION: We conclude that VEGF plays a significant role in angiogenesis, growth, and development of HCC.     

Neutrophil-derived cathelicidin protects from neointimal hyperplasia

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent implantation is used to dilate arteries narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques and to revascularize coronary arteries occluded by atherothrombosis in myocardial infarction. Commonly applied drug-eluting stents release antiproliferative or anti-inflammatory agents to reduce the incidence of in-stent stenosis. However, these stents may still lead to in-stent stenosis; they also show increased rates of late stent thrombosis, an obstacle to optimal revascularization possibly related to endothelial recovery. Here, we examined the contribution of neutrophils and neutrophilic granule proteins to arterial healing after injury. We found that neutrophil-borne cathelicidin (mouse CRAMP, human LL-37) promoted reendothelization and thereby limited neointima formation after stent implantation. We then translated these findings to an animal model using a neutrophil-instructing, biofunctionalized, miniaturized Nitinol stent coated with LL-37. This stent reduced in-stent stenosis in a mouse model of atherosclerosis, suggesting that LL-37 may promote vascular healing after interventional therapy.     

Topical application of plasmid DNA to mouse and human skin

Gene expression following direct injection of naked plasmid DNA into the skin has been demonstrated in the past. Topical application of plasmid DNA represents an attractive route of gene delivery. If successful, it would have great prospects in skin gene therapy since it is painless and easy to apply. In this study, we analyzed the expression of plasmid DNA in vivo and in vitro following topical application of plasmid DNA in various liposomal spray formulations. Therefore, different concentrations of plasmid DNA expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (pEGFP-N1) were sprayed onto mouse or human skin once daily for three consecutive days and compared with direct injection. Gene expression was assessed 24 h after the final topical application of various liposomal DNA formulations. The results showed that EGFP mRNA and protein were detectable by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. However, epicutaneously applied EGFP plasmid DNA did not lead to microscopically detectable EGFP protein, when assessed by confocal laser microscopy or fluorescence-activated cell sorting in contrast to about 4% of fluorescent keratinocytes following intradermal injection. In an in vivo mouse model, the application of pEGFP-N1 DNA led to the generation of GFP-specific antibodies. These results indicate that topical spray application of pEGFP-N1 liposomal DNA formulations is a suitable method for plasmid DNA delivery to the skin, yielding limited gene expression. This spray method may thus be useful for DNA vaccination. To increase its attractiveness for skin gene therapy, the improvement of topical formulations with enhanced DNA absorption is desirable.     

Enhanced angiogenesis of porous collagen scaffolds by incorporation of TMC/DNA complexes encoding vascular endothelial growth factor

Angiogenesis of an implanted construct is one of the most important issues in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and can often take as long as several weeks. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) shows a positive effect on enhancing angiogenesis in vivo. But the incorporation of growth factors has many limitations, since they typically have half-lives only on the order of minutes. Therefore, in this work the DNA encoding VEGF was applied to enhance the angiogenesis of a collagen scaffold. A cationic gene delivery vector, N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC), was used to form complexes with the plasmid DNA encoding VEGF. The complexes were then incorporated into the collagen scaffold, the loading being mediated by the feeding concentration and release in a sustained manner. In vitro cell culture demonstrated a significant improvement in the VEGF expression level from the TMC/DNA complexes containing scaffolds, in particular with a large amount of DNA. The scaffolds containing the TMC/DNA complexes were subcutaneously implanted into Sprague–Dawley mice to study their angiogenesis via macroscopic observation, hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of TMC/DNA complexes could effectively enhance the in vivo VEGF expression and thereby the angiogenesis of implanted scaffolds.     

VEGF在实验性心肌梗塞中促血管生成的实验研究

目的探讨VEGF在实验性心肌梗塞中促血管生成的形态学依据和作用机理。方法结扎30只家兔左冠状动脉的前降支,造成实验性心肌梗塞。15只作为实验组,在梗塞区内注射VEGF;其余15只作为对照组,仅做前降支单纯性结扎。两组动物分别于结扎术后1、2、4周处死,利用组织切片染色法观察梗塞区血管的生成与重建及相关的病理学变化。结果实验组梗塞区内,可见许多呈岛状存活的心肌组织,对照组则极为少见。术后2周为血管形成的高峰期,实验组梗塞区内新生血管的数量和密度明显高于对照组,两组具有极其显著性差异,血管密度实验组为(24.19±0.77)条/4×10倍,对照组为(1.01±0.21)条/4×10倍。结论VEGF对急性实验性心肌梗塞后的血管形成及心肌组织存活具有明显的促进作用。     

Electroporation for Gene Transfer to Skeletal Muscles

Naked plasmid DNA can be used to introduce genetic material into a variety of cell types in vivo. However, such gene transfer and expression is generally very low compared with that achieved with viral vectors and so is unsuitable for clinical therapeutic application in most cases. This difference in efficiency has been substantially reduced by the introduction of in vivo electroporation to enhance plasmid delivery to a wide range of tissues including muscle, skin, liver, lung, artery, kidney, retina, cornea, spinal cord, brain, synovium, and tumors. The precise mechanism of in vivo electroporation is uncertain, but appears to involve both electropore formation and an electrophoretic movement of the plasmid DNA. Skeletal muscle is a favored target tissue for three reasons: there is a pressing need to develop effective therapies for muscular dystrophies; skeletal muscle can act as an effective platform for the long-term secretion of therapeutic proteins for systemic distribution; and introduction of DNA vaccines into skeletal muscle promotes strong humoral and cellular immune responses. All of these applications are significantly improved by the application of in vivo electroporation. Importantly, the increased efficiency of plasmid delivery following electroporation is seen in larger species as well as rodents, in contrast to the decreasing efficiencies with increasing body size for simple intramuscular injection of naked plasmid DNA. As this electroporation-enhanced non-viral gene delivery system works well in larger species and avoids the vector-specific immune responses associated with recombinant viruses, the prospects for clinical application are promising.     

Localisation of members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and their receptors in human atherosclerotic arteries

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediates endothelial cell mitogenesis and enhances vascular permeability. The existence of single or multiple VEGF isoforms and receptors suggests that these proteins may have overlapping but distinct functions, which may be reflected in their cell expression and distribution. METHODS: The localisation of VEGFs A-C and their receptors (VEGFRs 1-3, respectively) in 30 fresh human atherosclerotic arteries, 15 normal uterine arteries, and 15 saphenous veins using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. RESULTS: Saphenous veins showed no staining for VEGF-B or VEGFR-2. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) showed the strongest staining for VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 in all specimens. Conversely, VEGFR-3 and VEGF-C were predominantly localised to the endothelial vasa vasorum in normal arteries, whereas medial SMCs showed the strongest staining in atherosclerotic arteries. Western blotting showed variations in VEGF protein localisation, with lower amounts of VEGF-B and VEGF-C in saphenous veins, compared with arterial tissue. Amounts of VEGF-C were lower than those of VEGF-A and VEGF-B in all specimens. CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence of the presence of VEGF proteins and receptors in human physiology and pathology, with variations in both the amounts of VEGF proteins expressed and their cellular distribution in normal arteries compared with atherosclerotic arteries. The presence of VEGFs A-C and their receptors in normal arterial tissue implies that VEGF functions may extend beyond endothelial cell proliferation. Reduced VEGFR-2 staining in atherosclerotic arteries may have implications for the atherosclerosis process and the development of vascular disease and its complications.     

A comparison of stent-induced stenosis in coronary and peripheral arteries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Restenosis is a complication of interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, often limiting the success of these procedures. Knowledge regarding the relative behaviour of different arteries after these procedures is limited, despite the extensive use of different vascular models. Although the results from studies using different vessels are analysed to predict the behaviour of coronary arteries and other vasculature, direct controlled comparisons between different arteries are necessary for a better understanding of the differential response to restenosis. METHODS: This study examines the response to stenting in coronary and internal iliac arteries as characterised by intimal hyperplasia and restenosis. In a swine model of in-stent stenosis, coronary arteries exhibited higher levels of intimal hyperplasia and per cent stenosis than internal iliac arteries. RESULTS: After normalisation for injury score, coronary arteries were found to undergo 47% more intimal hyperplasia (p<0.05), whereas per cent stenosis normalised for injury score tended to be higher (p = 0.01). Other measurements reflecting post-stenting intimal hyperplasia (maximal intimal thickness, medial area) did not exhibit significant differences between the artery groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that coronary vessels are more prone to develop significant intimal hyperplasia and subsequent restenosis than internal iliac vessels. A better insight into how different arteries and arterial components behave is important in understanding and developing newer and better therapeutic measures for restenosis.     

Tyroserleutide-based gene vector for suppressing VEGF expression in cancer therapy

A small interfering RNA (siRNA) plasmid DNA (pYr-1.1-hU6-EGFP-siVEGF) was constructed and used for suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and inhibiting tumor growth. Then, a (tyrosyl-seryl-leucine)-polyethyleneimine-poly(ethylene glycol) (YSL-PEI-PEG) conjugate was designed and synthesized as a gene carrier for the delivery of pYr-1.1-hU6-EGFP-siVEGF plasmid. The therapeutic peptide YSL was conjugated to PEI to improve the anti-cancer efficiency, and the PEG chain was introduced to reduce the serum protein adsorption and improve the stability of the complex in the systemic circulation. It was found that YSL-PEI-PEG could efficiently condense plasmid DNA when the vector/DNA weight ratio was higher than 2. Compared with PEI 25?kDa, YSL-PEI-PEG exhibited higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity. More importantly, the results showed that the gene delivery system owned strong ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation in?vitro and tumor growth in?vivo. YSL-PEI-PEG has great potential as a gene vector for clinical applications.     

Computer methods for follow-up study of hemodynamic and disease progression in the stented coronary artery by fusing IVUS and X-ray angiography

Despite a lot of progress in the fields of medical imaging and modeling, problem of estimating the risk of in-stent restenosis and monitoring the progress of the therapy following stenting still remains. The principal aim of this paper was to propose architecture and implementation details of state of the art of computer methods for a follow-up study of disease progression in coronary arteries stented with bare-metal stents. The 3D reconstruction of coronary arteries was performed by fusing X-ray angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as the most dominant modalities in interventional cardiology. The finite element simulation of plaque progression was performed by coupling the flow equations with the reaction–diffusion equation applying realistic boundary conditions at the wall. The alignment of baseline and follow-up data was performed automatically by temporal alignment of IVUS electrocardiogram-gated frames. The assessment was performed using three six-month follow-ups of right coronary artery. Simulation results were compared with the ground truth data measured by clinicians. In all three data sets, simulation results indicated the right places as critical. With the obtained difference of 5.89 ± ~4.5 % between the clinical measurements and the results of computer simulations, we showed that presented framework is suitable for tracking the progress of coronary disease, especially for comparing face-to-face results and data of the same artery from distinct time periods.     

超声心动图和64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像在川崎病冠状动脉瘤随访中的应用价值

目的探讨超声心动图和64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像（64SCTCA）在川崎病（KD）冠状动脉瘤临床诊断和随访中的应用价值。方法选择2006年12月至2007年5月在首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院门诊随访的KD并发冠状动脉瘤患儿作为研究对象。患儿观察终点随访时依据病变程度除行超声心动图检查外,同时行64SCTCA检查,对各项检查结果进行详细描述,并分析其应用价值。结果研究期间纳入15例患儿,急性期KD超声心动图检查显示急性期累及冠状动脉48／60支（80％）。患儿观察终点随访9个月至8．6年,平均（2．8±2．0）年,超声心动图示14／48支（29．2％）冠状动脉瘤或扩张消退,其余进一步扩张或无明显变化,累及冠状动脉34／60支（56．7％）,同时检测出2处血栓,未发现狭窄及钙化。64SCTCA示累及冠状动脉30／60支（50％）,主要累及右冠状动脉和左前降支,分布部位与超声心动图检查基本一致,64SCTCA与超声心动图检查对冠状动脉瘤最大内径的测量值具有较好的相关性（r=0．837,P〈0．001）,64SCTCA发现4处血栓、5处钙化及3处狭窄。结论64SCTCA和超声心动图在KD并发冠状动脉瘤患儿的随访中具有各自的应用价值,两种方法的联合应用可增加冠状动脉病变的检出率。     

Antianginal and antiadrenergic therapy in acute coronary syndrome

In recent years cardiology has opened new chapters in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The acute therapeutic procedures include antianginal, anticoagulant and revascularization therapy. Optimal therapeutic procedure in ACS has two objectives: 1) quick removal of the factors causing ischemia, and 2) prevention of death or myocardial infarction, i.e. reinfarction. Nitrates have been present in pharmacotherapy for more than 150 years. They are used exclusively to efficiently suppress the symptoms, but there is no proof of their positive effect on the disease prognosis. The effect of nitrates is manifested as vasodilatation in the arterial, and particularly in the venous vascular basin (central and peripheral effects) thus increasing the capacity of venous blood. Besides the peripheral effect, nitrates have an important central effect, i.e. they dilate epicardial coronary arteries, both the healthy ones and those damaged by atherosclerosis, in this way increasing the collateral blood circulation. Organic nitrates, although the oldest antianginal drug, play one of the leading roels in the treatment of ACS even today. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents have been used since 1960 in the treatment of arterial hypertension, coronary disease and cardiac arrhythmias, and later their efficacy in the prevention of secondary myocardial infarction was noted. Beta blockers (BB) reduce heart rate, systemic blood pressure and myocardial oxygen requirements, reduce myocardial contractility, thus alleviating precordial pain in ACS, decreasing the rate of threatening infarction, and reducing ventricular arrhythmias. Numerous clinical studies have shown that BB in ACS improve the disease prognosis and play an important role in long-term secondary prevention after myocardial infarction. Antagonists of calcium channel blockers are a group of therapeutic agents successfully used in numerous cardiac and noncardiac indications. Potential benefits of calcium antagonists in ACS are the result of various combinations, such as dilation of coronary arteries and arterioles, reduction of heart rate and myocardial oxygen requirements, and beneficial effect on left ventricular function and elasticity. The use of calcium channel blockers in ACS reduces or prevents the symptoms and accompanying ischemia, but there is no evidence that these agents prolong survival in patients with heart failure. In recent years the treatment of an ACS has significantly changed owing to better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease as well as progress in medicinal and interventional treatment. Antianginal therapy, which includes nitrates analgesics, calcium channel blockers and antiadrenergic therapy using beta-blockers in treatment of ACS, takes a significant place.     

Pro-Angiogenic Cytokines as Cardiovascular Therapeutics

Coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease are global health concerns with limited therapies. Currently available medical and surgical therapies for these disease processes are highly effective for only a fraction of patients. Extensive effort has been devoted to finding molecular therapies to enhance perfusion and function of ischemic myocardial and peripheral skeletal muscle. Angiogenic cytokines (fibroblast growth factor [FGF], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], placental growth factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha) have shown theoretical and experimental promise in upregulating endogenous endothelial progenitor cell-mediated angiogenesis. Preliminary clinical trials have suggested improvements in myocardial and peripheral perfusion following therapy with FGF, VEGF, and HGF. Further studies on the efficacy of cytokine-mediated angiogenesis are required before widespread clinical application is possible. Investigation into adjunctive cytokine therapies for myocardial and peripheral muscle ischemia is warranted. Based on experimental evidence, appropriate angiogenic cytokine therapy should provide benefits in both perfusion and hemodynamic function.