A Review on Chronic Stress Mediated Tumor Angiogenesis through IL-6 and VEGF

Chronic Stress plays a significant role in the progression of tumor angiogenesis through the secretion of Catecholamines, which take part in increased production of IL-6 and VEGF. Chronic psychological stress induces secretion of catecolamines such as epinephrine (E) and noreepinephrine (NE) from adrenal medulla and sympathetic neurons which activate β-adrenergic receptors on tumor cells, which in turn enhances increased production of IL-6. IL-6 then plays a significant role in VEGF production through STAT3 activation. Il-6 follows a series of signaling cascades including cAMP/PKA and MAPK. NF-kB activation through MEK/ERK is crucial for IL-6 production. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculatures is mediated by VEGF. It also takes part in cell proliferation, cell migration and vasculogenesis, thus leading to tumor angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to know the relationship between chronic stress and tumor angiogenesis and to highlight the therapeutic point where further works may proceed on.