Neowaskularyzacja

Neowaskularyzacja, or neovascularization, refers to the biological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. This physiological mechanism is essential for various natural processes, including wound healing, tissue regeneration, and embryonic development. Neowaskularyzacja plays a critical role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues, particularly in areas where blood flow has been compromised due to injury or disease.

The process is primarily driven by angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). These signaling molecules stimulate endothelial cells—the cells lining blood vessels—to proliferate, migrate, and form new capillary sprouts. Neowaskularyzacja can occur through two main pathways: sprouting angiogenesis, where new vessels grow from existing ones, and intussusception, where existing vessels divide and expand.

While neowaskularyzacja is vital for healthy physiological functions, it can also contribute to pathological conditions. Excessive or dysregulated neowaskularyzacja is associated with diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. In cancer, tumors induce neowaskularyzacja to sustain their rapid growth by recruiting blood vessels to provide essential nutrients. Conversely, impaired neowaskularyzacja can lead to ischemic diseases, such as coronary artery disease or stroke, where restricted blood flow damages tissues.

Research into neowaskularyzacja has led to the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at either promoting or inhibiting the process. For example, anti-angiogenic drugs are used to block tumor blood supply in cancer treatment, while pro-angiogenic therapies are explored for treating ischemic heart disease or chronic wounds. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neowaskularyzacja remains a key area of study in biomedical research.