biomolecules Review Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: A Translational View in Oral Non-Communicable Diseases Sven Niklander 1 , María José Bordagaray 2,3, Alejandra Fernández 2,4 and Marcela Hernández 2,5,* 1 Unit of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile;
[email protected] 2 Laboratory of Periodontal Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380544, Chile;
[email protected] (M.J.B.);
[email protected] (A.F.) 3 Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380544, Chile 4 Unit of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile 5 Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380544, Chile * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +56-929-781-833 Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are vital regulators of angiogenesis that are expressed in response to soluble mediators, such as cytokines and growth factors. Their physio- logic functions include blood vessel formation, regulation of vascular permeability, stem cell and monocyte/macrophage recruitment and maintenance of bone homeostasis and repair. In addition, angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in chronic pathologic conditions, such as tumorigenesis, inflam- matory immune diseases and bone loss. According to their prevalence, morbidity and mortality, inflammatory diseases affecting periodontal tissues and oral cancer are relevant non-communicable diseases. Whereas oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered one of the most common cancers worldwide, destructive inflammatory periodontal diseases, on the other hand, are amongst the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions affecting humans and also represent the main cause of tooth loss in adults.