Influence of Angiogenesis on Osteogenesis

Abstract

No bone without vasculature. Current research reveals the molecular biology behind this simple statement. Bone formation and regeneration and the associated physiological and pathologically altered angiogenesis is not only of vital importance in the omnipresent fracture repair but also plays a constantly growing role in the diagnosis and treatment of chronically infected bone or osteonecrosis. The jaw and especially the mandible with its exceptional vascularisation in the human body are prone to these diseases. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms of osteogenic-angiogenic coupling is the fundament of a sufficient diagnosis and therapy. From the description of the physiological vascularisation of the jaw bones to pure autologous tissue engineering in the context of regenerative medicine we follow the process of bone formation under the influence of a sufficient angiogenesis with special regard to the key protagonist VEGF, the osteogenic-angiogenic interface and their interaction.