Angiogenesis-Related Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Neovascularization, which may play a pivotal role in physiological and pathological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is a complex process involving endothelial cell division, selective degradation of vascular basement membranes and the surrounding extracellular matrix, and endothelial cell migration. The involvement of several endogenous molecules has been suggested based on the ability of these molecules to regulate the proliferation of endothelial cells. There are a number of factors that regulate angiogenic and angiostatic functions and may be crucial in promoting neovascularization, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), angiopoietins and members of the chemokine family, such as CXCL8 and CXCL10. This review discusses the expression and regulation of angiogenic and angiostatic cytokines in the context of chronic inflammatory arthritis, such as RA.