Vascular-Specific Growth Factor mRNA Levels in the Human Diaphragm (original) (raw)

Respiration, 2005

Abstract

Backround: Angiogenesis is an adaptation mechanism of skeletal muscles to increased load. Animal data have shown increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA levels in the diaphragm as a result of increased minute ventilation, but there are no data concerning the human diaphragm. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the VEGF, bFGF, TGF-β1 mRNA levels in the human diaphragm of normal subjects and patients with altered respiratory mechanics. Methods: We studied 9 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 4 obese patients and 12 controls. We performed multiplex semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to determine the VEGF, bFGF and TGF-β1 mRNA levels in specimens taken from their diaphragm. Results: VEGF mRNA levels were 18% higher in COPD patients compared with controls (p = 0.04), while for the obese patients, these levels were n...

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