Inflammation Enables Angiogenesis

Inflammation Enables Angiogenesis

Another important characteristic of chronic inflammation is its relationship to
angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels. COX and LOX are enzymes
that promote inflammation, and hormonelike chemicals from these enzymes play a
major role in creating new blood vessels. While this is a natural and normal
process, it is also one that tumors (even those too small to show up on a
mammogram) can hijack to build a blood supply to accommodate their growing
needs. Inflammatory cells stimulate the formation of new blood vessels that then
transport nutrients and oxygen to the tumor. This is a recipe for chronic
inflammation, with each process promoting the other. Clearly, inflammation and the
resulting angiogenesis are outcomes that need to be kept under control.

On the flip side, research suggests that enzymes that block inflammation also
inhibit angiogenesis, so by inhibiting one of these processes, you are positively
affecting both (Jackson et al. 1997).