Vascular endothelial growth factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The angiogenic activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known. Recently, it has become evident that VEGF is involved in central nervous system physiology and may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. In particular, it may be involved in the mechanism of motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and has been hypothesized to be implicated in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies such as occur in the so-called POEMS syndrome and diabetes. VEGF is also being studied as a possible treatment option in some of these disorders. In this review we critically analyze the data supporting the notion that VEGF is a factor involved in motor neuron degeneration and review the studies linking VEGF to other diseases of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Bogaert
Elke
E
Laboratory of Neurobiology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Van Damme
Philip
P
Van Den Bosch
Ludo
L
Robberecht
Wim
W
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000818:Animals; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor