Implication of anti-angiogenic VEGF-A165b in angiogenesis and systolic function after reperfused myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Angiogenesis participates in re-establishing microcirculation after myocardial infarction (MI). Purpose In this study, we aim to further understand the role of the anti-angiogenic isoform vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A165b after MI and explore its potential as a co-adjuvant therapy to coronary reperfusion. Methods Two mice MI models were formed: 1) permanent coronary ligation (non-reperfused MI), 2) transient 45-min coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion (reperfused MI); in both models, animals underwent echocardiography before euthanasia at day 21 after MI induction. Serum and myocardial VEGF-A165b levels were determined. In both experimental MI models,…