An Italian team demonstrates the key role of a cytokine of angiogenesis : the VEGF-A. 

Formation of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, systematically accompanies a chronic inflammatory response. This angiogenesis allows recruitment of cellular and non cellular transmitters of inflammation. This Italian team shows the key role of a cytokine of angiogenesis, the VEGF-A: its expression is significantly increased among patients with IBD and contributes to inflammation. These discoveries make VEGF-A a new potential therapeutic target for the treatment of RCH.

(Scaldaferri et al, Gastroenterology 2008; in press)