Protective effect and mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor in vascular endothelial cell injury

Freezing cold injury is based on pathological changes of freezing and then melting processes in the injury. Many investigators have confirmed that vascular endothelial cells (VEC) with the barrier and membrane transport functions are larger endocrine organs in the body, which participate in a variety of life activities and play an important role in the balance and stability of the internal environment. VEC in the frostbite process can promote thrombus formation that may result in microcirculatory disturbance and cause irreversible reperfusion injury after blood rewarming and flowing. Mitigating the damage of endothelial cells can reduce the microcirculation thrombosis, thereby reducing the reperfusion injury. As an important vascular growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has some type of protective effect on VEC injury in frostbite. VEGF can provide a new approach for prevention and treatment of frostbite by exerting protective effects on vessels through promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting excessive growth of vascular smooth muscle, and anti-thrombosis or anti-inflammatory functions.