VEGF-A (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A) ELISA

Angiogenesis and the Role of VEGF-A

Angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is crucial for various physiological and pathological conditions. This process is essential for:

• Development and Growth: It supports normal tissue growth, wound healing, and the female reproductive cycle (including placental development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation).
• Disease: Aberrant angiogenesis is linked to several diseases, notably cancer. Tumors require new blood vessels to grow beyond a few millimeters, making angiogenesis a key factor in tumor progression.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF-A)

VEGF-A is a primary regulator of angiogenesis and endothelial cell survival. It is critical for:

• Vascular Development: VEGF-A drives the formation of new blood vessels and is a central player in angiogenesis.
• Disease Association: Elevated levels of VEGF-A are associated with several pathological conditions due to enhanced angiogenesis or increased vascular permeability.

Detection and Source of VEGF-A

• Plasma and Serum: VEGF-A is detectable in both plasma and serum, with higher levels found in serum.
• Cystic and Ascitic Fluids: Extremely high levels can be found in the cystic brain fluid of brain tumor patients or in ascitic fluid of patients with abdominal malignancies.
• Platelets: VEGF-A can also be released by platelets upon aggregation, which may contribute to its delivery to tumors.

Clinical Implications

• Prognosis: High serum levels of VEGF-A are often associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients, potentially linked to elevated platelet counts.
• Pathological Conditions: VEGF-A is implicated in several conditions with enhanced angiogenesis or vascular permeability, including:
• Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: These conditions show increased VEGF-A activity.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Associated with elevated VEGF-A.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Characterized by high intraocular VEGF-A levels.
• Infertility: Inhibition of VEGF-A can impair corpus luteum function, potentially leading to infertility.

Research and Therapeutic Approaches

• Inhibition Studies: The role of VEGF-A in tumor growth has been demonstrated through the use of dominant negative VEGF receptors and blocking antibodies targeting VEGF or its receptors. These studies highlight the importance of VEGF-A in promoting tumor proliferation and offer potential therapeutic avenues for controlling angiogenesis in cancer and other diseases.

In summary, VEGF-A is a pivotal molecule in angiogenesis with significant implications for both normal physiology and disease. Its role in tumor growth and various pathological conditions underscores its importance as a target for therapeutic interventions.

This ELISA Kit from Tecan IBL International is for research use only.

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