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Blood vessels play a crucial role in major life-threatening and chronic diseases. Blood vessels are a systemically spread organ. Almost every cell is near a capillary. Endothelial cells line these vessels. They are seen as responsive cells. They react to stimuli like inflammation or cytokines. The vasculature's position is strategic, because it lies between circulation and organ parenchyma. Endothelial cells act as gatekeepers. They control organ function.
Tumor growth and metastasis rely heavily on interactions with blood vessels
They secrete growth factors called angiokines.
Blood vessels contain endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells
see also:
Cachexia / Cancer cachexia
Endothelial Cells / Endothelium
Metastasis
Vasculogenesis