Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Soluble Receptor in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Its soluble receptor (sVEGFR) is a potent VEGF antagonist. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a diverse array of clinical manifestations that affect virtually any organ. We aimed to analyze the relationship of VEGF and sVEGFR with SLE disease-related features including disease activity, damage, and severity. Serum levels of VEGF165 isoform and sVEGFR (receptor 1) were assessed in 284 well-characterized patients with SLE. Linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship of disease characteristics with both VEGF and sVEGFR. Patients with a disease damage index (SLICC score) equal to or greater than 1 had significantly elevated serum levels of VEGF and sVEGFR. Regarding disease-specific features, musculoskeletal manifestations were the disease feature most commonly associated with the upregulation of both VEGF and sVEGFR. SLE disease damage is associated with higher levels of VEGF and sVEGFR.

Update of Potential Biomarkers in Risk Prediction and Monitoring of Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

“…Higher plasma VEGF levels are associated with disease progression and increased activity in SLE. VEGF correlates with the common carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) [23,[35][36][37][38]. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which is a protein secreted by the liver, plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism.…”