The Role of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor in Cardiovascular Disease: Signaling in Inflammation, Coagulation, and Angiogenesis

Hadi  Rezaeeyan; Bahareh  Moghimian-Boroujeni; Mehrnaz  Abdolalian; Mohammadreza  Javan

doi:10.18502/jthc.v19i1.15531

Hadi Rezaeeyan Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO), Tehran, Iran.
Bahareh Moghimian-Boroujeni Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Mehrnaz Abdolalian Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Mohammadreza Javan Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jthc.v19i1.15531

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Endothelial cells; Leukemia inhibitory factor; Angiogenesis

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the principal causes of mortality in the world. Various factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of CVD. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as a secretory cytokine is one of these factors. The LIF receptor is located on endothelial cells and plays a role in the expression of specific genes in these cells. Endothelial cells are the innermost cells of blood vessels, and defects in these cells cause endothelial dysfunction and eventually CVD.

Methods: The present study is based on PubMed database information (1982–2022) using the following words: “cardiovascular disease,” “endothelial cells,” “leukemia inhibitory factor,” and “angiogenesis.”

Results: LIF can cause arteriosclerotic plaques by activating inflammatory mechanisms in monocytes through the induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. LIF can also induce vascular endothelial growth factor expression by activating signaling pathways, eventually leading to angiogenesis. Additionally, it can activate the coagulation cascade by factor VII production promotion within endothelial cells.

Conclusion Understanding the interplay between LIF and the inflammation pathways, coagulation, and angiogenesis as key factors in CVD occurrence raises the possibility of targeting this factor as a potential strategy to mitigate CVD risk.