Search

The angiopoietins (Angs) are a novel family of newly-discovered angiogenic factors which are secreted by vascular endothelial cells, plays an important role in regulating angiogenesis, degeneration and vessel stabilization. Ang-1 and Ang-2 participate in the development of embryonic blood vessels, as well as the angiogenesis and metastasis of tumors. Embryo implantation is similar with tumor during pregnancy, therefore, Angs and the tyrosine kinase Tie-2 receptor reside in both placenta and fetus, the expression of Angs during pregnancy may represent a feature for embryo implantation, placental angiogenesis, as well as the growth of the fetus. Hence, in the process of pregnancy, if anyone link in angiogenesis barrier, will cause the failure of embryo and the occurence of pregnancy complications. Therefore, Angs for further study of the role of pregnancy, will help to gestational disease diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]