VEGFA and rheumatoid arthritis: VEGF has also been reported to play a role in the postnatal period, tumor metastasis, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inflammatory processes (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), ischemic processes (myocardial ischemia), and pre‐eclampsia (Folkman, 1995; Leung et al., 1989; Maharaj et al., 2006; Yamazaki & Morita, 2006).