Dynamic Changes of Circulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Controversies in Clinical Interpretation

The mini review is depicted a role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members in strategy of clinical outcome suggesting among patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Recent studies have shown that high levels of circulating VEGF in STEMI may characterize patients with extensive intracoronary thrombosis, as well as it could associate with favorable clinical outcomes. Although there was evidence about embedding of VEGF-A in a regulation of angiogenesis and vasodilation, pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown an ability of VEGF-A to up-regulate an expression of cell adhesion molecules, permeability, and inflammation in vascular wall. Yet, exon 8 of VEGF-A gene is involved in the alternate splicing that determines whether the VEGF-A proteins are pro-angiogenic isoform or antiangiogenic isoform of VEGF-A. Moreover, anti-angiogenic potency of VEGF-A165b isoform can influence on developing of adverse cardiac remodeling and plaque rupture. In the review is reported that predictive value of VEGF family member predominantly VEGF-A needs to be investigated in future, because there are several controversial in interpretation of changes in VEGF levels in STEMI. Keywords: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction; Endothelium; Prognosi