Vascular endothelial growth factor in psoriasis: an indicator of disease severity and control |
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Authors: | A Nofal I Al-Makhzangy E Attwa A Nassar A Abdalmoati |
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Institution: | Departments of Dermatology and;Clinical Pathology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt |
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Abstract: | Background Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal epidermal proliferation, inflammation and angiogenesis. It has been reported that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is overexpressed in lesional psoriatic skin and its serum levels are significantly elevated in patients with moderate to severe disease. Objective This study aims to evaluate the possible role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and its significance as an indicator of disease severity and control. Methods Thirty patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 10 healthy controls were subjected to baseline evaluation of VEGF. Patients were divided into three groups according to the received treatment: psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) thrice weekly (group 1), acitretin 50 mg daily (group 2), and combined PUVA twice weekly and acitretin 25 mg daily (group 3).Treatment continued for 16 weeks or up to clinical cure. Every patient was subjected to severity evaluation by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and measurement of serum VEGF before and after treatment. Results Mean serum levels of VEGF were significantly elevated in patients (327 ± 66.2 pg/mL) than control subjects (178 ± 83.4 pg/mL). A highly significant correlation was found between VEGF and PASI score, but not with other variables. The best clinical response, the least side-effects and the highest reduction of VEGF serum levels were achieved by the combined therapy. Conclusion The present study supported the proposed role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and suggested that it could serve as a good indicator of disease severity and control. |
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Keywords: | pathogenesis psoriasis Vascular endothelial growth factor |
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