Cross-Link Between Inflammation and Angiogenesis

Abstract

Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vascular structures, i.e. capillaries and post-capillary venules. This process occurs in different conditions, such as embryo development and post-natal tissue growth, inflammation like wound healing and chronic allergies, and cancer. Both structural cells and inflammatory cells in the different tissues are involved in the mechanisms of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and activation, through the production and release of a large spectrum of pro-angiogenic mediators. These may create the specific micro-environment that favours an increased rate of tissue vascularization. In this review, we will present the most recent findings on the contribution of inflammatory cells to the development and progression of inflammation-associated angiogenesis. We will also provide some insight of the complex signaling network, which links each inflammatory cell to the surrounding scenario.

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