Cytokines in arteriogenesis from a therapeutic perspective

Small collateral arteries connect two main arteries. Normally only small quantities of blood flow through these vessels, but if one of the main arteries gets blocked off, for instance during a heart attack or stroke, they expand in diameter to serve as a biological ‘detour’. This process is called arteriogenesis. This PhD research examined the role of two proteins produced by the body – MIF and CXCL1 – in arteriogenesis. MIF inhibits and CXCL1 promotes arteriogenesis. In addition, both blocking MIF and locally injecting microspheres loaded with CXCL1 and pretreating monocytes will result in an improved arteriogenic response. These preclinical results are a promising starting point for new treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.