[Vascular endothelial cells and osteoblasts].

Bone has a variety of cells including osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells. Evidence for interaction between these cells in bone has been accumulated. In this review, roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in bone are discussed. I refer to increase in osteoblastic VEGF production by statins, drugs for hypercholesterolemia, which possess promotion of bone formation. Moreover, I have mentioned the presence of bone-like tissue in atherosclerotic plaque.