Publication: The role of the angiogenic molecule VEGF
in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors
Afuwape, A.O. ; Kiriakidis, S. ; Paleolog, E.M.
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
The expansion of the synovial lining of joints
in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the subsequent
invasion by the pannus of underlying cartilage and bone,
necessitates an increase in the vascular supply to the
synovium, to cope with the increased requirement for
oxygen and nutrients. New blood vessel formation
- ‘angiogenesis’ - is now recognised as a key event in the
formation and maintenance of the pannus in RA.
Although many pro-angiogenic factors have been
demonstrated to be expressed in RA synovium, the
potent pro-angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated to have a
central involvement in the angiogenic process in RA.
The additional activity of VEGF as a vascular
permeability factor may also increase oedema and hence
joint swelling in RA. Several studies, including those
from the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Division,
have shown that targeting angiogenesis in animal models
of arthritis ameliorates disease. Inhibition of
angiogenesis, as an adjunct to existing therapy of RA, or
even as a stand-alone treatment, would not only prevent
delivery of nutrients to the synovium, but could also lead
to vessel regression and possibly reversal of disease.
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