Infectious angiogenesis: Bartonella bacilliformis infection results in endothelial production of angiopoetin-2 and epidermal production of vascular endothelial growth factor.

Pathological angiogenesis, the development of a microvasculature by neoplastic processes, is a critical component of the development of tumors. The role of oncogenes in the induction of angiogenesis has been extensively studied in benign and malignant tumors. However, the role of infection in inducing angiogenesis is not well understood.

7-oxo-DHEA and Raynaud's phenomenon.

Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon have abnormal digital vasoconstriction in response to cold. The pathogenesis remains unknown but may involve a local neurovascular defect leading to vasoconstriction. Diagnosis of primary Raynaud's phenomenon is based on typical symptomatology coupled with normal physical examination, normal laboratory studies and lack of observable pathology by nail fold capillaroscopy.

Activation of Rac, Cdc42 and other downstream signalling molecules by Bartonella bacilliformis during entry into human endothelial cells.

Bartonella bacilliformis is an intracellular bacterial pathogen of human endothelial cells. In vitro incubation of B. bacilliformis with human endothelial cells leads to the formation of filamentous actin extensions (filopodia) within 30 min, followed by formation of membrane rufflings or lamellipodia within 1 h of incubation.