Vascular endothelial growth factor: a cytokine modulating endothelial funciton in inflammatory myopathy

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] in polymyositis [PM] and dermatomyositis [DM] patients and to investigate the correlation between the serum level of VEGF and clinical as well as laboratory findings. Twenty-five patients who met the criteria of diagnosis of PM/DM were included in the study. We evaluated the patients clinically using average muscle scale [AMS], functional disability scale [FDS] and activity of daily living [ADL]. We measured the serum level of VEGF using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] in those 25 patients as well as 20 age and sex matched healthy controls. The serum level of VEGF was significantly higher in PM/DM patients as compared to controls. Eleven [44%] patients out of 25 PM/DM had elevated serum VEGF level. There were no significant differences between patients with elevated serum VEGF level and those without as regards age, sex, disease duration, frequency of collagen diseases and internal malignancy. On the other hand we found a significant difference between both groups regarding ESR, serum CK level and EMG spontaneous activity. There was a significant correlation between serum VEGF and CK enzyme levels. Also, a significant correlation between clinical scales and serum CK and VEGF levels as well as EMG spontaneous activity. These findings suggest that VEGF, an endothelial cell mitogen, is involved in the inflammatory process of PM/DM