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Vascular endothelial growth factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases
Author(s) -
Bogaert Elke,
Damme Philip Van,
Van Den Bosch Ludo,
Robberecht Wim
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.20609
Subject(s) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , pathogenesis , vascular endothelial growth factor , medicine , motor neuron , neuroscience , central nervous system , pathology , peripheral nervous system , degeneration (medical) , vegf receptors , disease , biology
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. Muscle Nerve, 2006