Clinical significance of increased vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta1, and YKL-40 in the serum of children with asthma

Abstract

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1), and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic airways. YKL-40, a chitinase-like protein, and clusterin have been reported to be biomarkers for severe asthma. We examined the serum levels of growth factors, YKL40, and clusterin in children with acute asthma or stable asthma, and investigated their correlation with clinical findings and lung function parameters. Methods: Forty-one children ( ≥ 6 years of age) with asthma were enrolled, and 2 groups were defined: 23 patients admitted with acute asthma (acute asthma group) and 18 patients with stable asthma (stable asthma group). The serum levels of VEGF, TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, YKL-40, and clusterin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and assessed in relation to clinical manifestations and spirometric parameters. Fifteen age-matched controls were also studied. Results: The serum levels of VEGF, TGF-β1, and YKL-40 were significantly elevated in children with acute asthma compared to con trols. The serum levels of VEGF and YKL-40 were higher in the stable asthma group than in controls. The serum levels of VEGF, TGF-β1, and YKL-40 were not different between the acute asthma and stable asthma groups. The serum VEGF levels in the acute asthma group correlated significantly with asthma severity. The serum TGF-β 1 levels in stable asthma group showed a significant inverse correlation with (FEV1) forced expiratory volume in one second and FEF25%–75% (forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 percent of expired vital capacity). Serum YKL-40 had no significant relationship with clinical manifestations and spirometric parameters. Conclusion: Our study suggests that increased serum levels of VEGF and YKL-40 might affect asthmatic airways not only during acute exacerbation but also in stable state and that serum TGF-β1 might be a biomarker for airway obstruction in children with asthma. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2015;3:417-424)