VEGF

VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor.

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VEGF,

abbreviation for vascular endothelial growth factor.

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VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) 

A major protein involved in regulating the differentiation and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells thus promoting the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). VEGF is essential for normal embryonic development and contributes to the maintenance and repair of tissues. There are several VEGF proteins, depending on the number of amino acids that they contain (e.g. VEGF 121, VEGF 165, VEGF 189 and VEGF 206). However, under certain circumstances (e.g. higher than normal levels of VEGF as happens in hypoxia) it may participate in cancerous processes, inflammatory processes (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) and ocular neovascularization as in exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF drugs are used to inhibit the action of VEGF. See anti-VEGF drugs.