Pathological angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels that are excessive and harmful to the body. This condition is often associated with cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and other diseases. IPA transcription of this word would be pəˌθɑləˈdʒɪkəl ænˌdʒaɪənəsɪs. The word "pathological" is pronounced as pəˌθɑləˈdʒɪkəl, while "angiogenesis" is pronounced as ænˌdʒaɪənəsɪs. This term reflects the complexity of medical language, as it combines Greek and Latin roots to describe a complex medical phenomenon.
Pathological angiogenesis refers to the abnormal growth of blood vessels that occurs as a result of various diseases and disorders, characterized by an excessive formation of new blood vessels. This condition is often found in conditions such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
Angiogenesis is a natural process in the body that involves the formation of new blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues during growth, wound healing, and normal physiological processes. However, in pathological angiogenesis, this process becomes dysregulated, leading to the development of new blood vessels that are abnormal in structure and function.
These abnormal blood vessels tend to be leaky, fragile, and prone to bleeding, and may have irregular patterns of distribution. This can result in insufficient blood flow to tissues or the accumulation of fluid and blood, causing tissue damage and impairing organ function.
Pathological angiogenesis is driven by various factors, including the release of pro-angiogenic factors, abnormal expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, and dysregulation of signaling pathways that control blood vessel growth. There is extensive ongoing research to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted therapies to inhibit pathological angiogenesis.
Overall, pathological angiogenesis plays a significant role in the progression of many diseases and is an important target for therapeutic interventions to restore the normal balance of blood vessel formation.
The etymology of the term "Pathological Angiogenesis" breaks down as follows:
1. Pathological: This word derives from the Greek word "pathos" meaning suffering or disease and the suffix "-logia" referring to the study or science of. Therefore, "pathological" implies the study or science of disease or suffering.
2. Angiogenesis: This term is constructed from the Greek roots "angeion" meaning vessel, and "genesis" meaning creation or formation. Hence, "angiogenesis" literally means the creation or formation of blood vessels.
When combined, "Pathological Angiogenesis" refers to the abnormal or disease-related formation of blood vessels.