Improving endothelial healing with novel chimeric mitogens

Background: Chimeric proteins may be used to direct cell-specific activity. Heparin-binding growth-associated molecule (HBGAM) binds to cell receptors that are relatively more robust on endothelial cells, and it may confer endothelial cell selectivity to potent angiogens such as fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1). Methods: By ligating fibroblast growth factor or its potent mutant, S130K, to HBGAM, we tested their effect on re-endothelialization after angioplasty injury by using a canine model. Results: Both HBGAM/S130K- and HBGAM/FGF-1-treated arteries had increased neointimal mitotic index and re-endothelialization rates at 30 days compared with control arteries without inducing a significant increase in the neointimal thickness or the ratio of neointimal to medial thickness between treatment and control groups. Conclusion: HBGAM/S130K and HBGAM/FGF-1 facilitates endothelial healing without myointimal thickening after canine carotid artery balloon angioplasty injury. Application of these growth factors in fibrin glue may improve endothelialization clinically after angioplasty or endarterectomy. (c) 2006 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.