Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Rheumatoid Arthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication.

Angiopoietin-like-4 is a potential angiogenic mediator in arthritis.

Hermann LM, Pinkerton M, Jennings K, Yang L, Grom A, Sowders D, Kersten S, Witte DP, Hirsch R, Thornton S

William S. Rowe Division of Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML 4010, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.

Our previous studies of gene expression profiling during collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) indicated that the putative angiogenic factor Angptl4 was one of the most highly expressed mRNAs early in disease. To investigate the potential involvement of Angptl4 in CIA pathogenesis, Angptl4 protein levels were assessed at early stages of disease and its cellular sources were determined. In addition, the functional effects of mouse Angptl4 on endothelial cells were assessed. Angptl4 protein levels were higher in arthritic joints as compared to normal joints. In situ hybridization localized Angptl4 mRNA to stromal fibroblast-like cells within the inflamed synovium. Temporal expression of Angptl4 mRNA during CIA was similar to that of key angiogenic factors, including structurally related angiopoietin 1. Recombinant mouse Angptl4 promoted endothelial cell survival and formation of tubule-like structures. These functional effects of Angptl4, combined with very high expression at early stages of CIA, suggest a role for Angptl4 in angiogenesis in arthritis.

Published 4 May 2005 in Clin Immunol, 115(1): 93-101.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.