neovaskularisaatioon

Neovaskularisaatioon, also known as neovascularization, is a biological process where new blood vessels form from pre-existing ones. This process is crucial for various physiological and pathological conditions. In normal physiology, neovaskularisaatioon plays a role in wound healing, tissue repair, and the growth of new organs during development. It is mediated by the release of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and other growth factors that stimulate the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels.

In pathological conditions, neovaskularisaatioon can contribute to the progression of diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. In cancer, for example, tumor cells produce VEGF, leading to the formation of new blood vessels that supply the tumor with oxygen and nutrients. This process, known as angiogenesis, is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. However, it also makes tumors more susceptible to anti-angiogenic therapies, which target the formation of new blood vessels.

Neovaskularisaatioon can be studied using various techniques, including immunohistochemistry, which allows for the visualization of blood vessels in tissue sections, and in vivo imaging, which provides real-time information about blood vessel formation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying neovaskularisaatioon is important for developing new therapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases.