Vascular endothelial growth factor profile and Vitamin D level in Systemic Sclerosis Egyptian patients

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was described as a potentially important driver of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Additionally, recent literature elucidated that vitamin D serum level was found to be significantly lower in SSc patients in comparison to healthy individuals. The aim of the current study was to evaluate serum level of VEGF and its correlation with clinical features and vitamin D level in systemic sclerosis (SSc) Egyptian patients. This current case control study included 30 female SSc patients and 20 healthy controls. VEGF level was measured by ELISA. Serum level of 25-OH vitamin D was measured by electrochemiluminescence. Nailfold video capillaroscopy and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) were assessed. Thirty SSc female patients were included in the study, 13 patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc. The mean age of the patients' group was 49.3±4.3years, and the mean serum VEGF level was 3445.9±1183 ng/dl. The mean serum level of vitamin D was 15.57±9.9ng/ml in SSc patients and 30.6±2.26 in the controls. There was a significant association between high level of VEGF and hypovitaminosis D. Serum level of VEGF positively correlated with nailfold capillaroscopy changes and mRSS. In conclusion, high level of VEGF is associated with hypovitaminosis D, suggesting a role of vitamin D in SSc pathogenesis. VEGF levels correlate positively with nailfold capillaroscopy changes and extent of skin involvement.