Reconstitution of coronary vasculature in ischemic hearts by plant-derived angiogenic compounds

Background: Coronary heart diseases (CHD) remain the most prevalent cause of premature death. Substantial growth of new collateral coronary vessels to the ischemic region would provide reconstitution of the occluded arteries and correction of heart ischemia. However, this remains an impossible mission with current advances. Methods: Incomplete ligation of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was applied in rat resulting in partial occlusion of LAD. This chronic CHD model was employed to assess the therapeutic angiogenesis of Angio-T using ECG and echocardiography. Histological analysis was performed to provide substantial evidence for therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic hearts with the possible involvement of JAK-STAT signaling pathway investigated. Results: Angio-T stimulated growth of new collateral microvessels in ischemic hearts and progressively improved heart functional performance 2 weeks post treatment. The involvement of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in Angio-T stimulated growth of new collateral coronary vessels in ischemic hearts was demonstrated. Conclusions: The substantial therapeutic angiogenesis of Angio-T in ischemic hearts was demonstrated that may provide a more effective solution for non-interventional treatment of chronic CHD. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.