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

Abstract Objectives The 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. Background Increased 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). Methods We 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. Results Angiopoietin-2 (p Conclusions We 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.