Regulation of VEGF in the reproductive tract by sex-steroid hormones

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesi s. In adults, angiogenesis is an infrequent event in the normal tissue exce pt in the female reproductive tract, where angiogenesis occurs frequently d uring the cyclical repair and regeneration of the endometrium as well as in the ovary. Little is known about angiogenesis in the male reproductive tra ct. The role of VEGF in controlling reproductive tract physiology and the r ole of hormones in regulating this key regulator of angiogenesis is not wel l understood. Since reproductive tract physiology is largely under sex-ster oid regulation, we have reviewed some recent studies describing the role of sex-steroid hormones in regulating VEGF. We have also included studies on the role of sex-steroids in regulating VEGF and angiogenesis in endometrial , breast and prostate pathologies. We have provided an extensive review of the classical VEGF and VEGF receptors with examples drawn from numerous stu dies in the literature using diverse biological systems to encourage simila r studies in the area of reproductive tract physiology. It is speculated th at such studies will provide insights into understanding the role of VEGF i n reproductive tract development, causes of infertility, and cancer. Such k nowledge would allow us to target VEGF for improving human reproductive tra ct abnormalities, for enhancing implantation and fertility, and for designi ng drugs for treatment of endocrine dependent cancers.