Effect and Mechanism of Intermittent Myocardial Ischemia Induced by Exercise on Coronary Collateral Formation.

The article examines the safety and effectiveness of intermittent myocardial ischemia induced by exercise on coronary collateral formation. The mechanism of collateral formation is based on the increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Appropriate intermittent myocardial ischemia induced by an exercise training protocol may facilitate coronary angiogenesis in an ischemic area via the high expression of VEGF and its receptor fetal liver kinase-1. The development of the exercise protocol with minimal ischemic burden promotes maximal collateral formation in porcine model.