Vascular endothelial growth factor in inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent stimulating factor of angiogenesis (AG) and vascular permeability. VEGF exerts important physiological actions in embryogenesis, wound healing, and menstrual cycle.

In pathological conditions, it has a significant role especially in solid tumor growth, but also in inflammatory disorders, inc. a broad spectrum of rheumatic diseases.

Keywords

• vascular endothelial growth factor
• angiogenesis
• inflammatory rheumatic diseases
• rheumatoid arthritis
• systemic lupus erythematosus