Neovaskularisationen

Neovaskularisationen, also known as neovascularization, refers to the process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. This is a crucial physiological process involved in normal bodily functions such as wound healing and the development of tissues. However, neovascularization can also be a pathological hallmark of various diseases, contributing to their progression and severity.

In pathological contexts, neovascularization is often stimulated by factors released from cells experiencing stress or oxygen deprivation. These factors can trigger dormant endothelial cells, the cells lining blood vessels, to proliferate and migrate, forming new capillary networks. This aberrant growth of new vessels can occur in conditions like cancer, where it supplies tumors with nutrients and oxygen, facilitating their growth and metastasis. It is also a significant factor in diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina and can bleed, causing vision loss. Other diseases associated with neovascularization include age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

The process of neovascularization is complex and tightly regulated by a balance of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. Therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting pathological neovascularization are a significant area of research and clinical application, particularly in treating cancer and eye diseases. Conversely, promoting neovascularization can be beneficial in conditions requiring tissue regeneration, such as after a heart attack or in peripheral artery disease. Understanding the intricate mechanisms governing neovascularization is key to developing targeted treatments for a wide range of medical conditions.