antiangiogeneesi

Antiangiogenesis is a process that prevents or reverses the growth of new blood vessels. This process is naturally occurring and plays a role in various physiological and pathological conditions. In normal physiology, antiangiogenesis helps to control blood vessel formation during development and wound healing, ensuring that new vessels only form where and when they are needed. It also acts as a mechanism to prevent excessive blood vessel growth.

Pathologically, impaired antiangiogenic signaling can contribute to diseases where abnormal blood vessel formation is a key feature. The most prominent example is cancer, where tumors require a rich blood supply to grow and spread. Tumor cells can secrete factors that promote angiogenesis, while also suppressing antiangiogenic signals. Antiangiogenic therapies aim to disrupt this balance, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.

Beyond cancer, antiangiogenesis is also being investigated for its potential in treating other conditions characterized by excessive vascularization, such as certain eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, and some inflammatory disorders. Conversely, conditions where insufficient blood vessel formation is problematic, like peripheral artery disease or wound healing disorders, might benefit from therapies that enhance angiogenesis. The study of antiangiogenesis involves understanding the complex interplay of signaling molecules that regulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other key players in the angiogenic cascade.