Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor by synovial fluid neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01272.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T10:23:20Z
• Authors: T Kasama; K Kobayashi; N Yajima; F Shiozawa; Y Yoda; H T Takeuchi; Y Mori; M Negishi; H Ide; M Adachi
• Keywords: Rheumatoid factor

SUMMARY Most of the leucocytes infiltrating rheumatoid synovial fluid (SF) are neutrophils capable producing a variety inflammatory mediators known to contribute significantly disease process during active RA. In present study, we investigated contribution made by SF elevated levels vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seen in SF. Rheumatoid were found contain larger amounts both VEGF protein and its mRNA than peripheral blood from either RA patients or healthy controls. Levels celL-associated well correlated with free SF, which was higher osteoarthritis patients. neutrophiL-associated also activity cell surface integrin expression. Thus, may be considered an indicator local systemic inflammation RA, contributing neovascularization synovitis.