Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a growth factor gene primarily responsible for  angiogenesis, and is now hypothesized to play a role in neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration in peripheral neuropathies. The aim of this short communication was to highlight the role of VEGF in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). There is limited but sufficient evidence for role of VEGF in pathogenesis, and abnormal VEGF levels were found on assessment of DPN. Treatments with VEGF had reversed electrophysiological measures in DPN and also other treatments such as Frequency Modulated Electrical Muscle Stimulation (FREMS) was shown to increase VEGF levels, thus reiterating the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic role of VEGF in DPN. 

Keywords: Neurotrophic factors; VEGF; Vasa nervorum; Diabetic neuropathy.