Genetic Polymorphism in Platelet-derived Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Are Significantly Associated With Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy

These data suggest an association between PDGF and VEGF polymorphism and CAV. It is essential, however, due to the redundancy of the immune system and other confounding factors, that future studies be centrally conducted and include multiple programs, large cohorts of patients and properly chosen controls. Only then will we be able to identify the true association between cytokine and growth factor polymorphism and heart transplant outcome.