Inflammatory molecules controlling capillary loss

A study discovered that three major proinflammatory mediators — interlukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and thrombin — individually and especially when combined, directly drive capillary loss known to occur in diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and malignant cancer. Using an innnovative 3-D cell model, the investigators also identified combinations of existing drugs that can block the regression of these tiny blood vessels.