News Angiogenesis, VEGF Are Interesting Targets in Treating Multiple Sclerosis Angiogenesis, VEGF Are Interesting Targets in Treating Multiple Sclerosis by Maureen Newman | August 5, 2014 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link Findings of a number of scientific research articles, reviewed in a recent article from researchers at University of Bari and National Cancer Institute in Italy, describe a common response to injury in multiple sclerosis patients and animal models of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). The response, known as angiogenesis, (the formation of new blood vessels), is mediated by a number of molecules that may be of interest in developing treatments for individuals affected with multiple sclerosis. Seemingly, the need for angiogenesis is an increased demand of nutrients and oxygen for damaged neural cells and repair cells in plaques and the surrounding white matter of the brain. Unfortunately, during chronic multiple sclerosis, angiogenesis is ineffective because axonal activity, repair cell differentiation, and cellular abnormalities lead to vasoconstriction of newly-formed blood vessels, blocking blood flow. Thus, it seems a worthwhile research investment may be delivering trophic factors that promote angiogenesis the brain. The main driver of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a molecule that generally acts on endothelial cells to promote proliferation, migration, and tube formation. In the early stages of multiple sclerosis, VEGF is a prominent pro-inflammatory molecule. Later, it has a neuroprotective role and promotes the proliferation and survival of neural cells. VEGF is decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients and animals with EAE. [adrotate group=”4″] Since VEGF is pro-inflammatory in early multiple sclerosis, strategies have focused on anti-VEGF therapy. A clinical trial sponsored by Johns Hopkins University in collaboration with Genentech and Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation is investigating bevacizumab, a monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody, in patients with neuromyelitis optica, which mimics multiple sclerosis. No results are available yet for this Phase 1 clinical trial, but the trial is expected to complete in the beginning of 2015. Experiments conducted with animals have had mixed results using VEGF to ameliorate damage in the nervous system. For example, antagonizing the VEGF receptor with the drug Semaxinib helps during the acute inflammatory stage, but not during the chronic, degenerative stage. Consequently, additional research efforts and molecule combinations will continue to enhance research to treat multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Maureen Newman Maureen Newman is a science columnist for BioNews Texas. She is currently a PhD student studying biomedical engineering at University of Rochester, working towards a career of research in biomaterials for drug delivery and regenerative medicine. She is an integral part of Dr. Danielle Benoit's laboratory, where she is investigating bone-homing therapeutics for osteoporosis treatment.
April 23, 2024 News by Margarida Maia, PhD AAN 2024: Subcutaneous Ocrevus led to nearly no relapses after year
April 22, 2024 News by Margarida Maia, PhD Viatris launches low-dose Copaxone generic formulation in Canada
April 22, 2024 News by Marisa Wexler, MS AAN 2024: Briumvi found to ease disability in certain MS patients