Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Liver Disease

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent stimulating factor for angiogenesis. Its expression is related to inflammation and hypoxia. In normal conditions, VEGF is important in the wound healing process. The binding of VEGF with its receptors triggers angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and increases vascular permeability. Liver diseases comprise acute and chronic ones. Liver diseases cause inflammation and hypoxia, which increase VEGF level. If they occur chronically, persistent high VEGF levels will promote the risk of chronic liver diseases, including hepatic viral infections, alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, liver cirrhosis, and finally hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High VEGF level is also associated with progressive disease course and poorer outcomes. Tissue remodeling by replacement of normal liver tissue with fibrous tissue occurs. Due to the importance of VEGF in angiogenesis and liver diseases, therapeutic agents targeting VEGF have been developed. Drugs that neutralize VEGF and modulate VEGF receptors have been approved for treating various disorders, including liver disease. Additionally, VEGF is a promising modality for diagnosing liver cirrhosis and HCC. VEGF may also be utilized to predict the outcome of the liver and to monitor the therapeutic response of patients.