Injections of a recombinant protein derived from human growth hormone can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels that increase the blood supply to the heart, according to a new study.
Researchers at Fulda Medical Center in Fulda, Germany, reported in the February 24 issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association on 20 patients with ischemic or coronary heart disease who received the treatment. After receiving the recombinant protein in an injection administered during bypass surgery near blocked vessels, the researchers said all 20 patients experienced the development of new capillary networks that increased blood flow to the heart 2-fold to 3-fold.