Angioproliferative

Angioproliferative is a clinical and pathological term used to describe tissues or lesions in which the growth and proliferation of blood vessels, particularly the endothelial lining, is prominent. It denotes neovascularization driven by pro-angiogenic signals and is often observed in response to hypoxia, inflammation, wound healing, and tumor growth. The concept emphasizes active endothelial cell proliferation and the formation of new, sometimes abnormal, vascular networks.

The underlying mechanism typically involves pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and related cytokines that stimulate endothelial cell division, migration, and organization into capillary-like structures. This neovascularization can be accompanied by vascular permeability, irregular vessel architecture, and variable pericyte coverage, contributing to tissue hypoxia or edema in some settings.

Angioproliferative changes are encountered in several contexts. In ophthalmology, they are a hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and other diseases where retinal neovascularization can lead to hemorrhage and vision loss. In oncology, angioproliferation underpins tumor angiogenesis, enabling tumor growth and metastasis. Angioproliferative patterns can also appear in chronic inflammatory and reparative processes, including wound healing and granulomatous diseases.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and histopathology, with imaging and laboratory studies often used to identify associated hypoxia or inflammation. Treatment strategies focus on limiting pathological vessel growth, typically through anti-angiogenic therapies that inhibit VEGF signaling, laser or surgical interventions in ocular disease, and, in cancer, systemic anti-angiogenic agents alongside standard oncologic care. Angioproliferative describes a pattern of vascular change rather than a single disease entity.