A role for angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by distinct autoimmune, inflammatory and fibrovascular components which lead to synovial proliferation and joint destruction. However, existing treatments specifically target only autoimmune and inflammatory components despite...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brazilian journal of medical and biological research 1999-05, Vol.32 (5), p.573-581
Main Authors: Stupack, D G, Storgard, C M, Cheresh, D A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
angiogenesis
Animals
arthritis
Arthritis, Rheumatoid - pathology
Arthritis, Rheumatoid - therapy
BIOLOGY
Endothelial Growth Factors
endothelium
Endothelium, Vascular - pathology
integrin
MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL
Neovascularization, Pathologic
Receptors, Vitronectin - immunology
Synovial Membrane - blood supply
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Summary:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by distinct autoimmune, inflammatory and fibrovascular components which lead to synovial proliferation and joint destruction. However, existing treatments specifically target only autoimmune and inflammatory components despite the fact that neovascularization of the inflamed synovium is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis. Angiogenesis may contribute to synovial growth, leukocyte recruitment and tissue remodeling, thus potentiating disease progression. Although no therapies currently target angiogenesis, several existing therapies have anti-angiogenic activity. Recent advances in anti-angiogenic strategies in oncology, including the identification of integrin alpha v beta 3 as a crucial effector of angiogenesis, suggest a means to assess the role of angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis. Synovial endothelial cells have been shown to express integrin alpha v beta 3, suggesting that these cells may be targeted for angiogenesis inhibition. Prior studies in rat arthritis models have shown benefit after the addition of broad spectrum integrin antagonists. However, formal assessment of integrin-targeted anti-angiogenic activity is now underway. These controlled studies will be important in assessing the efficacy of therapies which target angiogenesis in RA.
ISSN:0100-879X
1414-431X
0100-879X
1414-431X
DOI:10.1590/S0100-879X1999000500011