Fractalkine and placental growth factor: A duet of inflammation and angiogenesis in cardiovascular disorders

Inflammation and angiogenesis are two interdependent processes underlying pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. The initiation and progression of atherosclerosis strongly depends on specific patterns of cytokine expression. In this review, we analyze correlation between expression of two members of the cytokine family and the processes of inflammation and angiogenesis related to atherosclerosis. Placental growth factor and chemokine CX3XL1 (fractalkine) promote inflammatory cell infiltration, angiogenesis and plaque rupture. Because these cytokines share similar roles during atherosclerotic development, their combined value as a predictor or indicator of inflammation and vascular healing may be extremely useful.