Latest Experimental Data on the Role of Vegf in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

Introduction: Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI), therapeutic options remain limited, and there are no reliable treatments that can fully restore lost function. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential regulator of angiogenesis and has the potential to influence the recovery processes in SCI by promoting vascularization, reducing ischemic damage, and enhancing cellular repair mechanisms. However, despite its promise, the role of VEGF in SCI remains complex, as it has been shown to have both beneficial and detrimental effects, depending on the timing, dosage, and delivery method. The aim of this study was to review the latest experimental data on the role of VEGF in the management of SCI. Materials &Methods: Based on the PubMed internet database, a literature review was conducted, with the use of the keywords: (“VEGF” OR “vascular endothelial growth factor”) AND “spinal cord injury”. Inclusion criteria were Animal or experimental studies that assessed the role of VEGF in SCI management were included. Exclusion criteria were clinical studies, studies in non-English languages, case reports, reviews, and commentary studies. Results: Final analysis included 60 studies. VEGF may be administered intralesionally or intravenously as a protein, through grafts or scaffolds, gene therapy, VEGF-expressing stem cell transplantation, or in combination without modalities. Several agents that activate or inhibit endogenous VEGF after SCI have been successfully tested. VEGF seems to have beneficial effects when administered after SCI in animal studies, as it promotes angiogenesis, neuronal survival, and axonal regeneration, attenuates cellular apoptosis, and improves functional outcomes. Some studies have observed an increase in pain and allodynia, while there are several concerns regarding VEGF stability and abnormal vessel formation. Conclusions: Experimental models consistently showed that targeted VEGF delivery can improve tissue perfusion, reduce secondary injury mechanisms, and support functional recovery. Overall, while VEGF remains a promising candidate for SCI therapy, its safe and effective clinical application depends on overcoming current delivery barriers and achieving a balanced therapeutic response. Future research should focus on refining these delivery methods and exploring combinatorial strategies that include VEGF along with other neurotrophic or angiogenic factors.