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Serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor decreased in chronic ketamine abusers
Ni Fan1, Minling Zhang1, Ke Xu2
1Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China.
Aims:
To evaluate the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a group of chronic ketamine abusers in comparison to healthy controls.
Methods:
Eighty-one ketamine abusers who were hospitalized for the treatment of ketamine dependence and 39 healthy controls were recruited. Serum VEGF level was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
Results:
Serum level of VEGF was significantly lower in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls (64.6±42.1 vs. 92.4±59.4pg/ml, F=7.243, p=0.008).
Conclusions:
Serum level of VEGF decreased in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls.