Reactive oxygen species drives myocardial angiogenesis?

Neovascularization, the natural physiological process of formation of new blood vessels, is extremely important for ameliorating the function of the heart that undergoes ischemic stress. This process is potentially important for the treatment of ischemic heart and limb diseases, which includes formation of capillaries (angiogenesis) and collateral arteries. Ischemia or coronary artery occlusion induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the experimental rat myocardial infarction model, and this molecule encourages development of coronary collateral circulation and retention of the blood supply to the ischemic area. Restoration of the blood supply to the ischemic area prevents cardiomyocyte death and cardiac remodeling. Among the various triggers and enhancers of angiogenesis, hypoxic or ischemic preconditioning, as well as pharmacologic agents such as statin and resveratrol, have been identified as important stimuli for the induction of new vessel growth. It has already been demonstrated that the VEGF family and its receptor system is the fundamental regulator in the redox cell signaling of angiogenesis. This review article will focus on the role of reactive oxygen species in the process of myocardial angiogenesis.