ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the pathological expression and significance of VEGF in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of VEGF in the synovial tissues of cacroiliac joint of patients with active AS was detected by using in situ hybridization and the results were compared with those in the patients with pelvic fracture using image analysis system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive expressions of VEGF in the synovial tissues of cacroiliac joint of patients with active AS were stronger than those in the control group (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VEGF are important factors in patients with active AS. They are tightly correlated with the process of osteoclasia and pathological new bone formation in the cacroiliac joint of patients with active AS. If we can reduce the expressions of VEGF in the patients with active AS, the process of osteoclasia and pathological new bone formation will be interrupted and this provides a new strategy for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.</p>