Angiogenesis: From Chronic Liver Inflammation to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Figure 4

Stages of angiogenesis: angiogenic stimuli, by promoting production of NO and VEGF, lead to dilatation and increased permeability of blood vessels. Subsequently, other factors, particularly Ang-1, TGF-𝛽, and MMPs, facilitate degradation of basement membrane and extracellular matrix and detachment of pericytes. Consequently, angiogenic stimuli facilitate proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. In addition, mesenchymal cells proliferate and differentiate into pericytes and smooth muscle cells that contribute to the stabilization of the new blood vessels.