Which of the following growth factors is primarily responsible for angiogenesis during the proliferative phase of wound healing?

Question

Accepted Answer

A. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). ## Angiogenesis in Wound Healing

**Key Point:** VEGF is the primary angiogenic factor during wound healing, secreted by macrophages and fibroblasts in response to hypoxia and inflammatory signals.

### Role of Key Growth Factors in Wound Healing

| Growth Factor | Primary Role | Source | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEGF | Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) | Macrophages, fibroblasts, hypoxia-inducible | Proliferative |
| TGF-β | Fibroblast recruitment, collagen synthesis, immune modulation | Platelets, macrophages, fibroblasts | Inflammatory & Proliferative |
| PDGF | Fibroblast and smooth muscle cell chemotaxis | Platelets, macrophages | Inflammatory & Proliferative |
| FGF | Fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis (minor role) | Fibroblasts, macrophages | Proliferative |

**High-Yield:** VEGF is upregulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) and is essential for granulation tissue formation. Without adequate VEGF, wound healing is severely impaired.

**Clinical Pearl:** Chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers) often show impaired VEGF signalling, contributing to poor angiogenesis and delayed healing.

Answer

B. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)

Answer

C. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)

Answer

D. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)

Which of the following growth factors is primarily responsible for angiogenesis during the proliferative phase of wound healing?

Explanation

Angiogenesis in Wound Healing

Role of Key Growth Factors in Wound Healing

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Growth Factor	Primary Role	Source	Phase
VEGF	Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)	Macrophages, fibroblasts, hypoxia-inducible	Proliferative
TGF-β	Fibroblast recruitment, collagen synthesis, immune modulation	Platelets, macrophages, fibroblasts	Inflammatory & Proliferative
PDGF	Fibroblast and smooth muscle cell chemotaxis	Platelets, macrophages	Inflammatory & Proliferative
FGF	Fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis (minor role)	Fibroblasts, macrophages	Proliferative