Vascular endothelial growth factor and endometriotic angiogenesis

J McLaren
Human reproduction update · 2000 · vol. 6(1) , pp. 45–55 · doi:10.1093/humupd/6.1.45 · PMID:10711829 · W2166572585
review OA: bronze CC0 ⤵ 204 in-corpus citations
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This paper investigates the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in promoting blood supply for ectopic endometriotic tissue and suggests targeting VEGF action for potential medical management.

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Abstract

Peritoneal endometriosis is a significant debilitating gynaecological problem of widespread prevalence. It is now generally accepted that the pathogenesis of peritoneal endometriosis involves the implantation of exfoliated endometrium. Essential for its survival is the generation and maintenance of an extensive blood supply both within and surrounding the ectopic tissue. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of angiogenic molecules is involved in both physiological angiogenesis, and a number of pathological conditions that are characterized by excessive angiogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that the VEGF family may also be involved with both the aetiology and maintenance of peritoneal endometriosis. Sources of this factor include the eutopic endometrium, ectopic endometriotic tissue and peritoneal fluid macrophages. Important to its aetiology is the correct peritoneal environment in which the exfoliated endometrium is seeded and implants. Established ectopic tissue is then dependent on the peritoneal environment for its survival, an environment that supports angiogenesis. Our increasing knowledge of the involvement of the VEGF family in endometriotic angiogenesis raises the possibility of novel approaches to its medical management, with particular focus on the anti-angiogenic control of the action of VEGF.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Endometrium Endothelial Growth Factors Lymphokines Neovascularization, Pathologic Neovascularization, Physiologic Angiogenesis Inhibitors Angiogenesis Inhibitors Angiogenesis Inhibitors Animals Ascitic Fluid Ascitic Fluid Cell Adhesion Molecules Cell Adhesion Molecules Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometrium Endometrium Endothelial Growth Factors Endothelial Growth Factors

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