This is an up close and personal look at a tumor that is growing a collateral blood supply for itself, in order to use the blood’s nutrients for personal growth. This phenomenon is not only seen in pathologic conditions like cancer, but also occurs in muscles when we exercise, for a positive reason. About an hour after intensive exercise, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF – a signal protein) mRNA expression is increased in the human muscles. This is followed by increased VEGF protein levels, which can initiate angiogenesis, growth of new blood vessels, in all muscles including the heart. Growth of new blood vessels decreases diffusion distances between capillaries and muscle fibers, thereby improving oxygen transport to tissues. This is one of the reasons why consistent exercise increases endurance. Exercise is especially beneficial for heart patients who have atherosclerosis, the occluded vessels can be counteracted by angiogenesis. There have been instances of patients with complete occlusion of an artery who suffered no ill-effects due to sufficient collateral blood supply via angiogenesis from exercise! Remember, exercise does not have to be a daunting task, just seven minutes each day of consciously activating your full body is enough to activate this healing process in your own body.
Photo credit: Unknown
Written by: Student Doctor Navpreet Singh Badesha
