Role of copper and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on endometrial angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels is the initial step in neovascularisation. The first stage in angiogenesis is the activation of endothelial cells. Copper ions stimulate proliferation and immigration of endothelial cells. It has been shown that serum copper concentration increases as the cancer disease progresses and correlates with tumour incidence and burden. Copper ions also activate several proangiogenic factors, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin 1. This review concerns a brief introduction into the basics of blood vessel development as well as the regulatory mechanisms of this process. The role of copper ions in angiogenesis is discussed.