Review paper
Angiogenesis and oral diseases
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Publication date: 2012-05-22
Cent Eur J Immunol 2012;37(2):164-166
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ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis is the process of developing new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. The basic prerequisite of angiogenesis is the presence of pro-angiogenic factor. As a result of this factor the activation of endothelial cells, capillary blood vessels and post-capillary veins takes place. Studies concerning the role of angiogenesis in oral diseases are scarce. Last years, an increased interest in this topic could be seen in all dental disciplines. These disciplines include endodontology, cariology, oral and maxillo-facial surgery, as well as implantology and periodontology. A special role in periodontal disease etiopathogenesis plays vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) – a cytokine stimulating angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor concentration in saliva and gingival fluid of patients affected with periodontitis is higher, as compared to the control group of clinically healthy periodontal tissue (P < 0.05). Anti-angiogenic therapy has been used with success in maxillo-facial surgery in case of mandibular giant cell granuloma in 4-year-old Australian boy.