The angiopoietin/Tie2 signalling system (Ang/Tie system) appears to be crucial in all three functions [17, 18] . The Ang/Tie system, which was discovered after vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, is mainly restricted to EC regulation and is the focus of this review. Accumulating evidence suggests that this system is nonredundant and is involved in multiple MODS-related pathways. All components of potential pathophysiological mechanisms in MODS should be viewed within their own context, because all systems are mutually dependent. Thus, examination of the Ang/Tie system might offer insight into the mechanisms underlying MODS and provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention.