The role of HIF-VEGF-Ang-2 signal transduction-mediated synovial angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with angiogenesis, inflammatory factor infiltration and joint destruction as the main pathological features. Angiogenesis promotes the development of RA and plays an important role in its pathogenesis. The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) signal transduction is a critical pathway to induce synovial angiogenesis. Targeting HIF-VEGF-Ang-2 signal transduction to inhibit synovial angiogenesis is a promising approach for RA treatment. This article reviews the role and mechanism of HIF-VEGF-Ang-2 signal transduction-mediated synovial angiogenesis in RA, in order to provide a new target and strategy for RA treatment.