Niranjan Gopal1, Srinivasan A. R2, Prakash H. Muddegowda3, Sathish Babu Murugaiyan4, Srikanth K5, Ramesh Ramaswamy6, Anitha Rajendiran7
BACKGROUND Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been implicated as a key molecule, which regulates physiological angiogenesis. VEGF exerts its molecular actions through Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, differ in signaling properties. VEGF plays a vital role in embryogenesis, growth and reproduction. VEGF as a mediator of pathological angiogenesis is associated with proliferation and micrometastasis of various tumours, ocular disorders involving neovascularisation, pre-eclampsia, etc. The pathogenesis of micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus and the role of VEGF is being studied extensively. Currently, several pharmacological interventions based on VEGF inhibitors and receptor antagonists have been tried to combat the pathological angiogenesis in a wide gamut of disorders. This review attempts to put together important properties, mechanism of action and the role of VEGF in common diseased states.
CONCLUSION Effects of VEGF are widespread and have been implicated in several disease states. Therapeutic modalities targeting VEGF have been tried with success in recent years.
