Adiponectin Promotes VEGF Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Induces Endothelial Progenitor Cell Angiogenesis by Inhibiting miR-106a-5p

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an erosive polyarthritis that can lead to severe joint destruction and painful disability if left untreated. Angiogenesis, a critical pathogenic mechanism in RA, attracts inflammatory leukocytes into the synovium, which promotes production of proinflammatory cytokines and destructive proteases. Adipokines, inflammatory mediators secreted by adipose tissue, also contribute to the pathophysiology of RA. The most...