Vascular endothelial growth factor and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The interplay with exercise and noninvasive ventilation |
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| Authors: | Rita Carilho MSci Mamede de Carvalho MD Michael Swash MD Susana Pinto MD Anabela Pinto MD Júlia Costa PhD |
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| Institution: | 1. Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, , Oeiras, Portugal;2. Department Neurosciences, Hospital de Santa Maria, , Lisbon, Portugal;3. Translational and Clinical Physiology Unity, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, , 1648‐028 Portugal;4. Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Royal London Hospital, Queen Mary University of London, , London, United Kingdom;5. Department of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, Hospital de Santa Maria, , Lisbon, Portugal |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: We evaluated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with reference to the effects of respiratory failure, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and exercise. Methods: We studied plasma VEGF levels in 83 ALS patients, 20 healthy controls, and 10 patients with other disorders. There were 4 groups of ALS patients: G1, 27 patients without respiratory problems; G2, 14 patients stabilized on nocturnal NIV; G3, 30 patients presenting with respiratory failure; G4, 12 patients on an aerobic exercise protocol. Results: VEGF plasma levels did not differ significantly between ALS patients and controls, or between ALS groups. In G3, the mean VEGF levels increased 75% during NIV. In G4, the mean VEGF level increased by 300% during the exercise program. VEGF levels did not change during the course of the disease. Conclusions: VEGF levels in ALS depend on changes in ventilation and exercise but are probably not affected by the disease process itself. Muscle Nerve 49:545–550, 2014 |
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| Keywords: | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis biomarker exercise noninvasive ventilation plasma VEGF levels |
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