Does VEGF represent a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The pathogenesis of ALS is unclear and there is no effective treatment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a cytokine that has a protective function via angiogenic, neurotrophic, gliotrophic and anti-apoptotic activity. Data indicate that VEGF can inhibit neurodegeneration in ALS and may have therapeutic potential in this disease. The use of gene therapy to deliver VEGF into the central nervous system is being evaluated.
Iłzecka
Joanna
J
Department of Neurology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland. ilzecka@onet.pl
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D000818:Animals; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A