Basic fibroblast growth factor changes in response to coronary angioplasty in patients with stable angina

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis and in angiogenesis. We assessed the changes in serum bFGF before, immediately after, and 6 months after coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Using the ELISA methods we measured plasma bFGF in 28 patients who underwent PTCA, in 20 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent elective coronary angiography and in 28 healthy subjects. Before PTCA and coronary angiography, bFGF plasma levels were similar in both patient groups (4.4±1.0 vs. 3.3±0.5 pg/ml), but were significantly higher compared with those of the control group (0.8±0.1 pg/ml, P<0.05). By 24 h, 3 months and 6 months after PTCA, bFGF levels had decreased significantly in the PTCA group (3.2±0.6, 1.7±0.3 and 2.7±0.6 pg/ml, respectively, P<0.05). In conclusion, these findings show that bFGF levels are elevated in patients with coronary artery disease. Following PTCA, bFGF levels decreased significantly and remained stable for 6 months after the procedure. Thus, bFGF level may change in response to PTCA in patients with coronary artery disease and stable angina.