A biologically active lipid, thromboxane, as a regulator of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis

Thromboxane (TX) and prostaglandins are metabolites of arachidonic acid, a twenty-carbon unsaturated fatty acid, and have a variety of actions that are exerted via specific receptors. Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vascular beds and is a critical component of pathological conditions, including inflammation and cancer. Lymphatic vessels play crucial roles in the regulation of interstitial fluid, immune surveillance, and the absorption of dietary fat from the intestine; and they are also involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Similar to angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels, is a critical component of pathological conditions. The TP-dependent accumulation of platelets in microvessels has been reported to enhance angiogenesis under pathological conditions. Although the roles of some growth factors and cytokines in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis have been well characterized, accumulating evidence suggests that TX induces the production of proangiogenic and prolymphangiogenic factors through the activation of adenylate cyclase, and upregulates angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis under disease conditions. In this review, we discuss the role of TX as a regulator of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and its emerging importance as a therapeutic target.

Automated summary

Thromboxane (TX) and prostaglandins, metabolites of arachidonic acid, have various actions through specific receptors. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, respectively, play critical roles in pathological conditions. Accumulating evidence suggests that TX induces the production of proangiogenic and prolymphangiogenic factors, promoting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis under disease conditions. This review discusses the emerging importance of TX as a therapeutic target in regulating angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.