Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of heparin-binding growth factors. FGFs exert
their pro-angiogenic activity by interacting with various endothelial cell surface receptors,
including tyrosine kinase receptors, heparan-sulfate proteoglycans, and integrins. Their
activity is modulated by a variety of free and extracellular matrix-associated molecules. Also,
the cross-talk among FGFs, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), and inflammatory
cytokines/chemokines may play a role in the modulation of blood vessel growth in different …