Alternatively spliced tissue factor promotes plaque angiogenesis through the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling.

Background: Alternatively spliced tissue factor (asTF) is a novel isoform of full-length tissue factor, which exhibits angiogenic activity. Although asTF has been detected in human plaques, it is unknown whether its expression in atherosclerosis causes increased neovascularization and an advanced plaque phenotype.

Methods And Results: Carotid (n=10) and coronary (n=8) specimens from patients with stable or unstable angina were classified as complicated or uncomplicated on the basis of plaque morphology.