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Serum Concentrations of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Polish Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Are
Katarzyna Fischer1, Hanna Przepiera-Będzak2, Marcin Sawicki3
1Independent Laboratory of Rheumatic Diagnostics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients correlate with cardiovascular risk and disease activity. High VEGF indicates increased cardiac risk, while low VEGF suggests lower disease activity and reduced organ involvement.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a role in both inflammation and angiogenesis, potentially influencing cardiovascular risk in SLE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between serum VEGF concentrations and immunological biomarkers, inflammatory markers, atherosclerosis risk factors, and cardiovascular manifestations in SLE patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum VEGF levels were measured using ELISA in 83 SLE patients and 20 healthy controls.
- Evaluated immunological markers, autoantibody profiles, traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, and organ manifestations.
- Assessed atherosclerotic changes using carotid intima-media thickness, ankle-brachial index, and high resistance index.
Main Results:
- High VEGF levels correlated significantly with anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and cardiac disorders.
- Low VEGF concentrations were associated with lower frequencies of anti-double-stranded DNA and anti-endothelial cell antibodies.
- Patients with low VEGF exhibited significantly reduced risks of atherosclerotic lesions and vasculitis.
Conclusions:
- VEGF plays a pathogenetic role in SLE and related atherothrombosis, correlating with aPLs and endothelial impact.
- Elevated VEGF aids in identifying cardiovascular risk in SLE patients.
- Low VEGF levels indicate reduced disease activity and lower risk of organ involvement.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze the associations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum concentrations and immunological biomarkers, inflammatory parameters, classical atherosclerosis risk factors, and cardiovascular manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods: The project included 83 individuals suffering from SLE, with 20 healthy individuals as controls. The serum levels of VEGF were determined through the ELISA method using R&D Systems tests. Laboratory markers, autoantibody profiles, traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, and organ manifestations were evaluated. Atherosclerotic changes were determined based on several indices including carotid intima-media thickness, ankle-brachial index and high resistance index assessments. Results: The reference range of serum VEGF concentrations was established based on the 25th and 75th percentiles obtained in the controls. High VEGF levels were significantly correlated with the presence of selected anti-phospholipid antibodies such as anti-prothrombin (OR = 10.7; 95%CI: 2.1-53.4) and anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (OR = 3.5; 95%CI: 1.1-10.8), as well as cardiac disorders (OR = 8.0; 95%CI: 1.6-39.5). On the other hand, low concentrations of VEGF were significantly related to lower frequencies of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.11-0.91) and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (OR = 0.30; 95%CI: 0.11-0.85). Patients with low VEGF levels showed significantly reduced risks of atherosclerotic lesions (OR = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.04-0.99) and vasculitis development (OR = 0.17; 95%CI = 0.03-0.91). Conclusions: In conclusion, VEGF's pathogenetic role in SLE and SLE-related atherothrombosis is manifested in close correlation with aPLs which may enhance their direct impact on endothelium. High VEGF levels are helpful for identifying cardiovascular risk in patients, while low concentrations indicate lower disease activity, as well as a lower risk of organ involvement.
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