Angiogenesis: A Dynamic Balance of Stimulators and Inhibitors

The document discussed the regulation of angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which was typically balanced by stimulators and inhibitors in normal adults. Angiogenesis occurred in specific physiological situations like the female reproductive system and the normal hair cycle, where it was tightly controlled. However, in pathological conditions such as wound healing, inflammation, and tumors, the balance shifted towards increased angiogenesis due to heightened activity of inducers like vascular permeability factor (VPF/VEGF). This imbalance suggested potential for pharmacological or genetic interventions to regulate blood vessel growth. The document highlighted VPF/VEGF as a key angiogenic stimulator and thrombospondin (TSP) as a notable natural inhibitor.