Measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor in systemic sclerosis

الملخص EN

Objective : to determine the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and to investigate its relationship to clinical manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods : serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in SSc patients and healthy controls were determined by ELISA, the other body organs involvement were assessed clinically and the vascular changes were recognized by using nail fold capillary scope.

Results : the serum levels of VEGF in 26 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were significantly higher than in 20 healthy controls (432 ± 356 vs.

91 ± 64 pg / ml ; p < 0.001).

Patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (n = 17) had higher levels of serum VEGF than those with limited cutaneous SSc (n = 9) (426 ± 348 vs.

135 ± 127 pg / ml ; p < 0.001).

Serum VEGF levels correlated with the extend of skin sclerosis determined by modified Rodnan skin score (r = 0.656, p < 0.001) and with serum TGF-B levels (r = 0.530, p < 0.001).

While serum VEGF levels were inversely correlated with the capillary density of nailfold (r = 0.649, p < 0.001).

However, no significant differences were found in the serum levels of VEGF between patients with systemic organ involvement and those without organ involvement.

Conclusion : the extend of skin sclerosis in SSc patients may contribute to the elevation of serum VEGF levels and these high levels of VEGF may serve as an indicator of capillary damage.