Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: A New Paradigm for Targeting Various Diseases

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor is a signaling protein, which is responsible for the angiogenesis process. Variation in its expression leads to various disorders like cancer, diabetes, psoriasis and neuronal imbalance (depression) etc. The abundance of VEGF (VEGF-A, B, C) concentration is present in the kidney, heart, lung, ovary, thyroid gland, neurons, embryonic tissue etc. The regulation of VEGF expression is controlled by the hypoxia condition, hormonal regulation, inflammatory mediator cytokines and growth hormone. The VEGF binds to the VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase receptors causing conformational changes resulting in the endothelial cell proliferation, increased vascular permeability, and formation of new blood vessel. The high level of VEGF- A activity found in the synovial fluid leads to rheumatoid arthritis, whereas in the retinal cell it results in diabetic retinopathy. The tumor growth factor induced VEGF A expression in keratin cell lead to psoriasis. The higher level of VEGF activity increased neovascularization which is beneficial in cerebral ischemia, as well as in the growth of the neurons. VEGF is also considered to be an important factor in tumor invasion and metastasis. Various growth factors stimulate or participated in tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, the Anti-VEGF therapy can be a potential option for treatment of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, and cancer. The (VEGF) gene expression modulation will lead to the new therapeutic possibilities in the future.