Oncostatin M mediates cardioprotection via angiogenesis in ischemic heart disease

Oncostatin M (OSM) is an inflammatory cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 family member, which plays an important role in various cardiovascular diseases. We recently reported increased serum OSM levels in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the specific role in HF with ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains unclear. A total of 120 patients with HF and 48 control subjects were enrolled in this study. Serum OSM levels were measured using a sandwich technique immunoassay during the compensated state. The results revealed significantly higher serum OSM levels in HF patients compared to controls. Importantly, HF patients with IHD had higher OSM levels, and those with collateral flow showed the even higher levels, indicating a potential involvement in angiogenesis. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between serum OSM levels and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In vitro experiments demonstrated that recombinant OSM upregulated VEGF production in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells. We additionally observed that endogenous OSM levels were enhanced through exercise. Lastly, we identified the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors to enhance OSM production. Serum OSM levels were elevated in HF patients, particularly in those with IHD Our data indicated that endogenous OSM induces VEGF production in the heart, suggesting the activation of angiogenesis, which can be further enhanced by exercise or SGLT2 inhibitors. •Oncostatin M (OSM), an inflammatory cytokine with significant implications in cardiovascular diseases, was found to have increased levels in patients with coronary artery disease in our previous study (Ikeda S, et al. Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc. 35 (2021) 100829).•In this study, the specific role of OSM in heart failure (HF) with ischemic heart disease (IHD) was investigated.•The results demonstrated elevated serum OSM levels in HF patients, particularly in those with IHD.•The findings suggest that endogenous OSM may have a cardioprotective effect by promoting VEGF-induced angiogenesis, which can be further stimulated through exercise.•Additionally, the study revealed the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors to enhance endogenous OSM production.