The Connection Between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, VEGF And Growth Plate Senescence And Closure

From book “Regulators of Growth Plate Maturation” Chapter 11

VEGF expression

We already know that estrogen and it receptors interact with growth factors to control longitudinal growth. one of the growth factors is called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, VEGF. The Estrogen seems to upregulate the VEGF in bone tissue. In a previous section, it was said that both in vitro and vivo the administration of estrogen upregulated the concentration of VEGF. If the ovaries are removed, estrogen decreases by a huge amount and VEGF expression decreases. In addition growth plate maturation coincides with an increase in VEGF expression.

It is concluded that VEGF has a important role when endochondral ossification is close to finishing. If we can inhibit the VEGF expression then we can increase the longitudinal growth of the growth plates.