Comparison of The Role of VEGF-B, C and D in Angiogenesis and Peripheral Nerve Sprouting After Nerve Repair Post Neurotmesis Injury

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factors B, C and D play various roles in angiogenesis and nerve cell sprouting.  The purpose of this study was to explore the individual roles of these growth factors in angiogenesis and peripheral nerve sprouting after nerve repair. Method: A systematic literature review of various databases was conducted for relevant data on the role of VEGF-B, C and D in angiogenesis and peripheral nerve sprouting after nerve repair (neurotmesis). The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines Results: Fifty-four studies that met the inclusion criteria were analysed systematically, and grouped into three categories of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D). The findings highlight the diverse functions of VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D in angiogenesis as well as peripheral nerve sprouting through the VEGF-B/ VEGFR-1, VEGF-C/ VEGFR-3, and VEGF-D/ VEGFR-3 pathways. Conclusion: VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D each play a unique role in angiogenesis and peripheral nerve sprouting. VEGF-B plays a major role in controlling nerve sprouting and VEGF-C influences this process, while VEGF-D is not implicated in the regulation of primary sprouts

Keywords - VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, angiogenesis, peripheral nerve sprouting