抄録
Growth factors are believed to play significant roles on the progression of atherosclerosis. In this article, I will focus on two growth factors, bFGF and TGF-β, and will describe the effects of those growth factors on endothelial cells.
bFGF is synthesized by various cell types including endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. In case of endothelial denudation, bFGF acts as an autocrine factor and accerelates the reendothelialization of luminal surface, preventing from intimal thickening. However bFGF induces angiogenesis from vasa vasara into intimal lesion and stimulates the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells.
Although TGF-β is alway secreted in a latent form, the contact of endothelial cells and intimal smooth muscle cells at atherosclerotic lesion will generate active form. Active TGF-β has versatile effects on endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages and may affect the course of atherosclerosis. However, the precise role of TGF-β on the development of atherosclerosis is remain to be elucidated.
