ANGIOGENIN LEVELS IN ATHLETIC, NON ATHLETIC AND ATHEROSCLEROTIC VASCULAR OCCLUSIVE SUBJECTS•

Abstract

Angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels out of pre­ existing capiiiaries, is a sequence of events that is fundamental to many physiological and pathological processes such as wound healing, organ regeneration, neoplasia, inflammation and collateralization in response to ischaemic stimuli. It is induced by several molecules including Angiogenin (Rodza et al., 1996).

Angiogenin is the first angiogenic protein isolated from a human tumor and characterized by its ability to induce neovascularization. It is very potently angiogenic in comparison with other angiogenic molecules (Hatzi et al, 2000).

Atherosclerosis is a generalized disease leading to subtotal or total vessel occlusion and ischaemia which may be followed by revascularization and the development of collaterals (angiogenesis) to provide an alternative route of blood supply to ischaemic region and decrease the risk of complications. Atherosclerosis is the underlying substrate in nearly all patients with AMI and PAOD.

The aim of this work is to estimate the senun levels of ANG in patients with AMI before and after thrombolytic therapy and in patients with PAOD at different stages (Ih, III and IV) to assess whether or not ANG can be used as a marker of the presence of compensatory angiogenesis in these patients.