VEGF165

[Guest guest]

Acronym stands for " Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor " . Found the

following reference this AM and thought it interesting.

Nat Genet 2001 Jun;28(2):107-8

Hypoxia and lou gehrig.

Skene JP, Cleveland DW.

[1] [2] skene@...

Selective death of motor neurons beginning in mid life is the

hallmark of the most abundant motor-neuron disease of adults,

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). An unexpected insight into

potential causes of the disorder is now provided by mice lacking the

hypoxia response element of the promoter of the gene encoding the

vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF). This elicits age-

dependent, selective degeneration of motor neurons, and indicates

that a primary cause of ALS may be chronic deficits in VEGF-dependent

vascular perfusion or a direct neurotrophic effect of VEGF on motor

neurons.

PMID: 11381249 [PubMed - in process]

In short, I think (help me Galen) this means that a lack of oxygen,

or oxygen-sensing mechanism " could " be the cause. I've questioned

several neurologists " along the way " as to whether circulation or

vascular involvement could be a cause/influence, and have always been

told NO, with a dismissive wave of the hand. I know some of us have

cervical/circulatory problems.

" Neurotrophic " means " beneficial effect " .

This is from original research came from Belgium (Belgian mice), and

I have the article (abstract) if anyone is interested.