The exact underlying mechanism causing clubbing is currently unknown.
While the precise process is not fully understood, research suggests that certain factors play a significant role in the development of clubbing, particularly in the context of specific diseases.
Potential Contributing Factors
Based on current understanding and studies, several key elements are believed to be involved:
- Growth Factors: Specific growth factors are thought to contribute to the changes seen in clubbing. These include:
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
- Growth Hormone
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
These factors may promote increased blood vessel formation or connective tissue changes in the fingertips and toes.
- Hypoxia: Low oxygen levels in tissues (hypoxia) are also suspected to play a role, especially in diseases where clubbing occurs. Hypoxia may trigger the release of the growth factors mentioned above.
It is important to note that these factors seem to play a role in certain diseases associated with clubbing, but the precise sequence of events and how they lead to the characteristic bulbous enlargement of the digits remains an area of ongoing research.
