Plasma angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and angiopoietin receptor tie-2 levels in congestive heart failure

: ObjectivesThe goal of this research was to test the hypothesis that plasma angiopoietin (Ang-1), its soluble receptor tie-2, and Ang-2 levels would be abnormal in patients with acute and chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) when compared with healthy controls.: BackgroundIncreased plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in CHF is suggestive of excess angiogenesis—possibly driven by tissue hypoxia. However, other growth factors also have a major role in angiogenesis, such as those of the angiopoietin family (e.g., Ang-1, which exerts its activity via its receptor, tie-2, and Ang-2).: MethodsWe recruited 39 patients with acute CHF (mean age 67 ± 10 years), 40 patients with chronic CHF (mean age 63 ± 9 years), and 17 healthy controls (mean age 67 ± 7 years), all in sinus rhythm. Citrated plasma was analyzed for Ang-1, Ang-2, tie-2, and VEGF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.: ResultsAngiopoietin-2 (p < 0.001), tie-2 (p < 0.05), and VEGF (p < 0.05) levels were all higher in acute CHF compared with controls. The Ang-2 levels were higher in acute CHF compared with chronic CHF (p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in Ang-1 levels between the groups. The principal significant correlations were between Ang-2 and tie-2 (Spearman, r = 0.407; p < 0.0001) and between Ang-2 and ejection fraction (r = −0.241, p = 0.043). Although only marginally raised, levels of VEGF correlated with both Ang-2 (r = 0.468, p < 0.001) and tie-2 (r = 0.569, p < 0.001).: ConclusionsWe have demonstrated abnormal levels of Ang-2 and tie-2, but normal Ang-1, in both CHF patients. These abnormalities may, alongside VEGF, indicate a role for these angiogenic factors in the pathophysiology of CHF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]