[The mechanisms of angiogenesis. Medical and therapeutic applications].
OBJECTIVE
Endothelial and smooth muscle cells interact with each other to form new blood vessels. In this review, the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying the formation of the primary vascular plexus (vasculogenesis), the sprouting of further blood vessels (angiogenesis) and their maturation via recruitment of smooth muscle cells (arteriogenesis) during physiological and pathological conditions are summarized.


BACKGROUND
The concept of angiogenesis is studied in tumoral and cardiovascular pathology. Promoting the formation of new collateral vessels in ischemic tissues using angiogenic growth factors (therapeutic angiogenesis) is a promising approach in cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, inhibition of the action of key regulators of angiogenesis is a new pathway for the treatment of solid tumors and metastasis.


CONCLUSIONS
These concepts are being tested now in clinical trials in the oncology or cardiovascular fields. Some trials are reported in this review with their potential adverse effects, limits and developments in the future.
Couffinhal
T
T
Service de cardiologie et de maladies vasculaires, hôpital cardiologique, avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France. thierry.couffinhal@bordeaux.inserm.fr
Dufourcq
P
P
Daret
D
D
Duplaà
C
C
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004727:Endothelium / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000098:blood supply*; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors