Angiosis refers to the process through which new blood vessels are formed in the body, also known as neovascularization. It involves the growth and development of blood vessels, which may occur in response to various physiological or pathological conditions.
This complex biological phenomenon is essential for different physiological processes like wound healing, tissue repair, and embryonic development. Angiosis is also involved in pathological conditions such as tumor growth and metastasis, as well as certain eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
In angiosis, existing blood vessels may undergo branching or sprouting, which allows the formation of new capillaries. This process is mainly regulated by specific signaling molecules called growth factors, which stimulate the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells present within blood vessel walls.
Different growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), play vital roles in the regulation of angiosis. These growth factors bind to specific receptors on endothelial cells, triggering a cascade of events that lead to blood vessel formation.
Under normal conditions, angiosis is tightly regulated to maintain tissue homeostasis. However, its dysregulation can contribute to the development of various diseases. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of angiosis and targeting specific molecules involved in this process may hold significant therapeutic potential for both promoting or inhibiting blood vessel formation, depending on the clinical context.
