Vascular endothelial growth factor-C and -D (VEGF-C and VEGF-D is what triggers lymphangiogenesis and is what binds to the VEGFR-3 receptor on the lymphatic endothelial cells.
Even inflammation, tissue repair and certain pathological conditions can also stimulate the process.
Lymphangiogenesis is good in some cases, but can be bad in other cases.
Lymphangiogenesis is the formation of new lymphatic vessels and in some cases it can help to improve conditions like lymphedema and reduce inflammation and in other cases lymphangiogenesis can promote tumor metastasis.
Lymphangiogenesis can improve the drainage of lymphatic fluid and can help to alleviate swelling and inflammation in lymphedema.
Lymphangiogenesis also aids in wound healing, because lymphatic vessels also play a role in tissue repair and tissue regeneration and lymphangiogenesis can be a part of the healing process of wounds.
And promotion lymphangiogenesis can also be therapeutic for conditions like heart disease and obesity.
Lymphangiogenesis can result in tumor metastasis in some cases as lymphatic vessels can provide the pathways for cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body and result in metastasis.
And in some cases lymphangiogenesis may contribute to chronic inflammation.
Lymphangiogenesis is a very complex process that has both positive and negative effects depending on the certain disease and condition.