VEGFA and atherosclerosis: Both systemic and local VEGF gene transfer protected from neointimal growth, a phenomenon that has been reported to be, in part, NO dependent.52, 53, 54 Concomitantly, systemic VEGF inhibition accelerates experimental atherosclerosis and disrupts endothelial homeostasis.55 A single intraperitoneal application of VEGF, however, did increase atherosclerosis in different animal models.56 The opposing effects of VEGF appear to markedly depend on local VEGF concentrations, stage of the disease, and different experimental conditions.