Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation: Immunity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Figure 2

ECs are essential for angiogenesis in RA. VEGF secreted by ECs and other cells inducing angiogenesis by acting on ECs, promoting cell mitogenesis, cell migration, and lumen formation. TNF-α can enhance chemokine expression, ECs activation, and angiogenesis. In addition, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 can cause bone damage. IL-6 can induce VEGF production in RA FLS and increase permeability and cell infiltration. IL-6, endocan, and IL-18 can also induce angiogenesis. Angiogenic chemokines activate ECs through chemokine receptor CXCR2, CXCR4, and CXCR7 and then induce angiogenesis.