[Angiogenesis in human cerebral ischemia].
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to review current knowledge about angiogenesis processes following stroke and possible benefit of future therapeutic angiogenic-related treatments.


METHODS
Angiogenesis is a physiopathologic process where new vessels arise from pre-existing ones within different phases: sprouting and maturation. To modulate angiogenesis there is a balance between several promoters like VEGF, bFGF, MMPs, etc. but also with inhibitors or angiostatic molecules such as angiostatin, endostatin, etc. In human pathologies angiogenesis has a dual effect: useful in wound healing, tissue remodelling or ischemic heart disease but harmful in cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or atheroma plaque instability and rupture. Angiogenesis is involved in some cerebrovascular diseases. Following ischemic stroke there is an overexpression of several molecules related with this process, although its finality remains largely unknown.


CONCLUSIONS
Angiogenesis is activated after stroke modifying capillary network. To obtain advantages from angiogenesis, it will be essential to achieve the temporal profile of these molecules in humans, and to investigate if its effects are different in acute or chronic stroke phases. In the future, angiogenesis modulation could take part of a combined stroke therapy.
Rosell-Novel
A
A
Laboratorio de Investigación Neurovascular, Unidad Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain. arosell@vhebron.net
Montaner
J
J
Alvarez-Sabín
J
J
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002196:Capillaries / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D045726:Metalloproteases / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D006133:Growth Substances; D045726:Metalloproteases