Serum vascular endothelial growth factor in allergic rhinitis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by an inflammatory reaction sustained by Th2 polarization, whereas systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disorder. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical mediator of inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare serum VEGF levels in three groups of subjects: 40 normal subjects, 40 allergic patients, evaluated before and after specific immunotherapy, and 40 patients with inactive SLE. Patients who were allergic before immunotherapy had the lowest VEGF serum levels, which significantly increased after treatment; SLE patients had the highest VEGF serum levels. This comparative study provides evidence that serum VEGF levels depend on the type of immune response: they are high in autoimmune disease and low in Th2-polarized allergic reaction. The relevance of this phenomenon is further apparent, as it is also observed in patients with inactive disease.