Inflammation and Angiogenesis: Role of Inflammatory Cells and Mediators

Inflammation is not only a protective mechanism during tissue injury, but also has a key role in tissue repair. Cytokines and growth factors which are released during inflammation are critical for tissue repair and one of the well-known angiogenic factors is vascular endothelial growth factor. Angiogenesis involves endothelial cells as well as inflammatory cells which release several angiogenic factors. Hypoxia is the most important stimulator for inflammation and angiogenesis. Some of the inflammatory mediators are directly and/or indirectly alter angiogenesis and on the other hand, some of angiogenic factors have inflammatory effects. Therefore, it seems that there is a close relationship between angiogenesis and inflammation. This review evaluated the relationship between inflammation and angiogenesis and the role of inflammatory cells and mediators in angiogenesis process.