Targeting Angiogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Authors: Szekanecz, Zoltan; Koch, Alisa E.

Source: Current Rheumatology Reviews, Volume 4, Number 4, November 2008 , pp. 298-303(6)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Angiogenesis, the development of new capillaries, is a crucial process in health and disease. The perpetuation of neovascularization in rheumatoid arthritis is highly involved in leukocyte extravasation into the synovium and pannus formation. Numerous soluble and cell surface-bound angiogenic mediators, including growth factors, cytokines, proteases, matrix macromolecules, cell adhesion receptors, chemokines and chemokine receptors, have been implicated in the process of neovascularization. Endogenous angiostatic factors, primarily angiostatin, endostatin, IL-4, IL-13, some angiostatic chemokines may be used to downregulate neovascularization. In addition, angiogenesis might be targeted by several specific approaches against VEGF, angiopoietin, αVβ3 integrin or by exogenously administered compounds including DMARDs, anti-TNF agents, fumagillin analogues or thalidomide. Potentially all anti-angiogenic could be tried in order to control synovitis.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; rheumatoid arthritis; targeting; angiogenic mediators; angiostasis

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-11-01

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Current Rheumatology Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on rheumatology and its related areas e.g. pharmacology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field.

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