Vasostatins: new molecular targets for atherosclerosis, post-ischaemic angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis.

The chromogranin-secretogranin secretory proteins-granins-are acidic proteins localized in granules of endocrine cells and neurons. The chromogranin family includes chromogranins A (CgA) and B, as well as secretogranin II (once called chromogranin C). Members of this family undergo catalytic proteolysis to produce active peptides. The CgA-derived peptides vasostatin-1 and vasostatin-2, in particular, appear to protect against atherosclerosis, suppressing the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, as well as exerting vasodilatory effects by enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability. Vasostatin-1 also suppresses vasoconstriction and abnormal angiogenesis. Vasostatin-1 and vasostatin-2 may be novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, also protecting the myocardium against ischaemic damage.