## 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.
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