Hypoxia—a key regulator of angiogenesis and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

The role of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well characterized, but how hypoxia affects RA and the potential interplay between inflammation, angiogenesis and hypoxia in this disease is less defined. Here, the authors describe how hypoxia affects RA, in terms of both inflammation and angiogenesis, and provide insights as to how depleted oxygen levels affect the RA synovium. Potential therapies for RA that target angiogenesis will also be discussed.