VEGFA and rheumatoid arthritis: Furthermore, the enhanced secretion of vascularization/inflammation response modulating genes matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in addition to increased IL-6 and IL-8 secretion upon exogenous VEGF and/or Ang2 application to HUVECs and RA synovial explants was potently abrogated by IL-35 [41].