Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C)

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C) : Recently, a team of Indian scientists proposed an innovative nanotechnology-based approach to treat advanced liver cirrhosis, which involves the use of VEGF-C-loaded nanocarriers.

• About VEGF-C : A protein with powerful therapeutic potential that stimulates the growth of new lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis).

o How It Works: Activates the VEGFR-3 receptor on cell membranes, promoting lymphatic vessel formation and function.

o Therapeutic Potential: Repairs lymphatic vessels in the liver and intestines

ü Enhances lymphatic drainage

ü Reduces ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation), a major complication in liver cirrhosis

o Clinical Limitations: Hydrophilic nature limits its ability to cross cell membranes

ü Short half-life reduces its effectiveness in the body

ü Risk of systemic side effects in uncontrolled delivery

o Nanocarrier Solution: Encapsulating VEGF-C in nanocarriers helps overcome these challenges by enabling targeted, sustained, and safer delivery to damaged liver tissues.

• About Chronic Liver Disease : When a healthy tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue, impairing liver function over time.

o Disease Progression: Repeated liver injury and attempts at repair lead to fibrosis, vessel distortion, and fluid buildup, especially in advanced stages.

o Lymphatic Involvement: Damage is not limited to blood vessels—lymphatic vessels also become dysfunctional, particularly in the intestinal area.

ü Lymph production can increase up to 30 times due to liver congestion and portal hypertension, overwhelming the drainage system.

ü This contributes significantly to ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), yet no current treatment specifically targets lymphatic dysfunction.

o Common symptoms : Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, swelling in the limbs and abdomen, itchy skin, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, mental confusion, dark urine, pale stools, and spider-like blood vessels on the skin.