Conversely, the use of angiogenesis factors, such as VEGF and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), has been shown to promote notable increases in collateral vessel and myocardial perfusion in ischemic myocardium, reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function (2), demonstrating the theoretical and experimental promise of this approach in treating ischemic diseases. The gene discussed is FGF2; the disease is ischemic disease.