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Targeting Angiogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Zoltán Szekanecz1, Alisa E Koch
1University of Debrecen Medical Center, Institute of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Debrecen, H-4004, Hungary.
Current Rheumatology Reviews
|August 14, 2010
Summary
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, drives rheumatoid arthritis progression. Targeting angiogenesis with anti-angiogenic therapies may help control synovitis and disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, or new capillary development, is vital in physiological processes and pathological conditions.
- In rheumatoid arthritis, persistent neovascularization contributes to leukocyte extravasation and pannus formation within the synovium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting angiogenesis for rheumatoid arthritis management.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on angiogenesis mediators and anti-angiogenic factors in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Analysis of therapeutic targets including growth factors, cytokines, and specific molecular pathways.
- Evaluation of endogenous and exogenous anti-angiogenic agents and their potential applications.
Main Results:
- Numerous angiogenic mediators (growth factors, cytokines, proteases, etc.) are implicated in rheumatoid arthritis neovascularization.
- Endogenous factors like angiostatin, endostatin, IL-4, and IL-13 can downregulate neovascularization.
- Specific targets include VEGF, angiopoietin, and α(v)β(3) integrin, with therapies like DMARDs, anti-TNF agents, and thalidomide showing potential.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis is a key factor in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis and synovitis.
- Targeting angiogenesis through various endogenous and exogenous approaches offers a promising strategy for controlling rheumatoid arthritis activity.
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