*4.7. Bradykinin (BK)*

BK is a vasoactive peptide part of the kinins family. BK participates in several processes such as inflammation, pain, and cell proliferation [121]. Zhu et al. studied the effects of BK in HRECs exposed to high concentrations of glucose. Results show that BK can suppress oxidative stress and the release of inflammatory mediators. It can also control the process of neovascularization, downregulating the expression of VEGF. Lastly, BK inhibits the HMGB1/NF-κB signaling pathway, therefore controlling the growth and proliferation of HRECs [122].
