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Table 1 Description and role of angiogenesis-related factors.

From: Comparison of angiogenesis-related factor expression in primary tumor cultures under normal and hypoxic growth conditions

Angiogenesis-Related Factor

Role in Angiogenesis

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/Vascular Permeability Factor

(VEGF/VPF)

Signalling protein for angiogenesis that works by binding, dimerizing, and phosphorylating external tyrosine kinase receptors. Can be induced by hypoxia through the release of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) [4, 6, 8, 10, 13].

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

(bFGF/FGF-2)

Stimulates production of basement membranes via formation of extracellular matrix. Aids in angiogenesis in tumors by mediating VEGF production [6, 11, 14].

Interleukin-8

(IL-8/CXCL8)

A chemokine that regulates angiogenesis by promoting survival of endothelial cells, stimulating matrix metalloproteinases, and increasing endothelial permeability [15, 16].

Epidermal Growth Factor

(EGF)

Factor commonly expressed in carcinomas involved in tumor growth, proliferation, and differentiation by stimulation of intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity, resulting in DNA synthesis. Also, induces VEGF, IL-8, and bFGF release by tumor cells [9, 19].

Fms-related Tyrosine Kinase

(Flt-3 Ligand)

Cytokine that assists in proliferation and maturation of hematopoietic progenitor cells [20].

Platelet-derived Growth Factors

(PDGF-AA, -AA/BB)

Mitogenic factors for fibroblasts, smooth muscle, and connective tissue that can be induced by VEGF and bFGF. Induce endothelial cell survival by recruiting stromal cells for VEGF production [9, 17].

Interferon-gamma-inducible Protein 10

(IP-10)

Inhibits tumor growth by regulating lymphocyte chemotaxis and inhibiting endothelial cell growth. Down-regulation correlated with poor prognosis. Reverse-correlated with VEGF [21].

Transforming Growth Factors

(TGF-β1,2,3)

Cytokines that control several biological processes including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Pathological conditions such as cancer are can be linked to modifications of these growth factors [18].