Abstract:
Abstract〖WTB1]Macrophages differentiate from peripheralblood monocytes. Both monocytes and synovial macrophages are key players in rheumatoid arthritis. These cells are involved in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammation, leukocyte adhesion and migration, matrix degradation and angiogenesis. Macrophages express adhesion molecules, chemokine receptors and other surface antigens. They also secrete a number of chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, proteases and other mediators. These inflammatory mediators are the pathological mechanisms of inflammation and angiogenesis in arthritis. In recent years, macrophage migrationinhibitory factor has drawn great attention. This cytokine is involved in macrophage activation and cytokine production. Meanwile, migrationinhibitory factor also regulates glucocorticoid sensitivity and may be a pathogenic link between rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. In rheumatoid arthritis, several proteinases including cathepsin G are produced by macrophages, and they are associated with inflammatory and angiogenic events. As macrophages and their products are key players in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, they may become good therapeutic targets for treating arthritis.

Key words:  macrophage, chemokine, chemokine receptor, angiogenesis, rheumatoid arthritis