[Vascular endothelial growth factor - structure, function and role in airways inflammation and the clinical course of asthma].

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by a wide range of cells and plays an important role in normal and pathological angiogenesis. The formation of the vascular system is essential for inflammatory process in airways, especially in the course of chronic lung diseases - for example bronchial asthma. Increased level of VEGF in serum and induced sputum has been demonstrated in patients with stable asthma, as well as during the exacerbation of this disease. VEGF end VEGF-receptor's expressions is closely correlated with neovascularization and seems to be an important predictor of the lung's remodeling. Due to direct causative relationship between inflammatory process and angiogenesis in airways, it was suggested, that inhibiting VEGF's activity would have an anti-inflammatory effect on airways. In this article the potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor in airways inflammation, remodeling and the clinical course of bronchial asthma is presented.