Angiogenesis markers in rheumatoid arthritis

摘要

Angiogenesis markers consist chiefly of proangiogenic cytokines, most notably VEGF and the angiopoietins, and angiostatic factors, such as angiostatin and thrombospondin. Markers for disease activity and outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are crucial for tailoring the treatment to the needs of each individual. Serum angiogenesis markers are associated with disease activity and severity in RA, although they are not specific to the disease. Doppler ultrasonography of the synovial vessels is highly sensitive, allowing early detection of the active disease. In the future, the development of treatments that target angiogenesis, with tailoring based on angiogenesis markers, can be expected to improve the management of RA.