Circulating VEGF levels and genetic polymorphisms in Behçet's disease: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with complex etiology.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in angiogenesis and inflammation.
• Previous studies suggest a potential role for VEGF in BD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between circulating VEGF levels and Behçet's disease.
• To examine the relationship between VEGF gene polymorphisms and BD susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases.
• A meta-analysis synthesized data from 15 studies involving 1,020 BD patients and 1,031 controls.
• Serum/plasma VEGF levels and specific VEGF gene polymorphisms (-634 C/G, +936 C/T, 18 bp I/D) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• BD patients exhibited significantly higher circulating VEGF levels compared to healthy controls (SMD=1.726, p<0.001).
• Elevated VEGF levels were observed in active BD compared to inactive BD (SMD=0.635, p=0.022).
• No significant association was found between BD susceptibility and the studied VEGF gene polymorphisms.

Conclusions:

• Elevated circulating VEGF levels are strongly associated with Behçet's disease.
• The investigated VEGF gene polymorphisms do not appear to confer susceptibility to BD.
• VEGF may serve as a potential biomarker for BD activity.