Abstract

Angiogenesis and inflammation are closely integrated processes in a number of physiological and pathological conditions, including wound healing, psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, arteriosclerosis, and cancer. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) belongs to the family of the heparin-binding FGF growth factors. FGF2 exerts its pro-angiogenic activity by interacting with various endothelial cell surface receptors, including tyrosine kinase receptors, heparan-sulfate proteoglycans, and integrins. Elevated levels of FGF2 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases characterized by a deregulated angiogenic/inflammatory response. FGF2 induces the expression of a wide repertoire of inflammation-related genes in endothelial cells, including pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and their receptors, endothelial cell adhesion molecules, and components of the prostaglandin pathway. Consistent with this pro-inflammatory signature, in vivo evidence points to a non-redundant role for chemokines and infiltrating monocytes/macrophages in FGF2-driven neovascularization. This review will focus on the cross-talk between FGF2 and the inflammatory response in the modulation of blood vessel growth.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.