angiogenezisét

Angiogenesis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing ones. This complex, tightly regulated process is essential for growth, development, and wound healing. In adults, angiogenesis is typically dormant but can be reactivated in response to specific stimuli, such as tissue injury or inflammation.

The process begins with the breakdown of the basement membrane of a mature blood vessel, allowing endothelial cells to migrate and proliferate. These cells then form a tube-like structure, which eventually matures into a new blood vessel. Angiogenesis is regulated by a delicate balance of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. Key pro-angiogenic factors include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is a potent stimulator of endothelial cell growth and migration. Anti-angiogenic factors, on the other hand, inhibit the formation of new blood vessels.

Dysregulation of angiogenesis is implicated in a variety of diseases. In cancer, tumors rely on angiogenesis to grow and metastasize, as new blood vessels supply them with nutrients and oxygen and provide a route for spread. Conversely, insufficient angiogenesis can lead to conditions like peripheral artery disease or chronic wounds. Therapeutic strategies targeting angiogenesis are therefore being developed for both cancer treatment and to promote healing in ischemic conditions. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of angiogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments for these diseases.