What angiogenic factor notably increases in pigment epithelial cells during the early stages of AMD?

The increase of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in pigment epithelial cells during the early stages of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a significant aspect of the disease pathology. VEGF is a crucial angiogenic factor that promotes the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. In AMD, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) becomes stressed and hypoxic as a result of the accumulation of waste products and decreased blood flow. This hypoxic environment stimulates the production of VEGF, which aims to enhance vascular perfusion to support the metabolic demands of the retina.

The elevated levels of VEGF in response to these stressors play a key role in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a process where new, abnormal blood vessels form underneath the retina. This can ultimately lead to vision loss, making VEGF an important target for therapeutic interventions in AMD. Thus, understanding the role of VEGF is vital in the context of AMD, as it provides insight into both the pathophysiology of the disease and potential treatment strategies.