Abstract
BackgroundOverproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in atopic dermatitis (AD) lesions has previously been observed. It is also known that platelet is an important source of VEGF and platelet factor 4 (PF-4), a potential marker of AD severity.AimTo evaluate concentrations of VEGF and its soluble receptors (sVEGF-R1 and sVEGF-R2) in the plasma of AD patients and to examine its possible correlation with disease severity and plasma concentrations of PF-4, a platelet activation marker.MethodsPlasma concentrations of VEGF and its receptors and levels of PF-4 were measured by an immunoenzymatic assay in 51 AD patients and in 35 healthy non-atopic controls. The severity of the disease was evaluated using the eczema area and severity index.ResultsAD patients showed significantly increased VEGF and PF-4 plasma concentrations as compared with the controls. Plasma concentrations of sVEGF-R1 and sVEGF-R2 did not differ between the groups. There were no remarkable correlations between plasma VEGF concentration and disease severity or between VEGF and PF-4 concentration.ConclusionsThis study shows that plasma concentration of VEGF may be increased in patients suffering from AD. It seems that plasma VEGF concentration is not a useful marker of disease severity and, apart from platelets, other cells might also release the cytokine.
Highlights
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which results from interaction of skin barrier defects, Th1/Th2 cells dysregulation, and environmental factors
This study shows that plasma concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be increased in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD)
There were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of VEGF, sVEGF-R1 and sVEGF-R2 between AD patients with and without persistent allergic rhinitis
Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which results from interaction of skin barrier defects, Th1/Th2 cells dysregulation, and environmental factors. It is characterized by dilated vessels and perivascular edema leading to erythema and edema [1]. It is known that the key role in vascular permeability, vasodilation and angiogenesis is played by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [4]. It may stimulate inflammatory cell recruitment, enhance antigen sensitization and appear crucial for adaptive T(H) inflammation [5]. Aim To evaluate concentrations of VEGF and its soluble receptors (sVEGF-R1 and sVEGF-R2) in the plasma of AD patients and to examine its possible correlation with disease severity and plasma concentrations of PF-4, a platelet activation marker
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