ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis and defective regulation of programmed cell death [apoptosis] may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We aimed to assess the role of the angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and the oncogene Bcl-2 as markers of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] disease activity, with particular emphasis on their relation to lupus nephritis [LN]. Using the ELISA technique, VEGF and Bcl-2 plasma levels were measured in 40 SLE patients and 20 healthy matched controls. SLE disease activity index [SLEDAI] was assessed; renal biopsy was taken from 15 patients with manifestations of LN. VEGF plasma level was significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls, and significantly increased in patients with LN. Immuno-staining of LN renal tissue samples showed a strong expression of VEGF. No significant difference was found in Bcl-2 levels between SLE patients and the controls but there were increased levels in active SLE patients as compared to inactive ones. There was a positive correlation between each of VEGF and Bcl-2 and SLEDAI. VEGF and Bcl-2 may serve as markers of SLE activity. VEGF can be used as a reliable non-invasive marker for follow-up of patients with LN