Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels in Asthmatic Children

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease, which is usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Asthma is a global problem with 300 million affected individuals. Angiogenesis has been recognized as an essential step in the development and maintenance of airway inflammation and tissue remodeling. Vascular endothelial growth factor plays a key role in both the physiological and pathophysiological forms of angiogenesis. Aim of the present study was to measure serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in asthmatic children to assess its relation with asthma severity. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on two groups, group A: 30 asthmatic children and group B: 20 healthy children of matched age and sex. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were measured by ELISA. Results: There was no significant difference between asthmatic and control groups as regard age, sex and weight. There was significant increase in serum VEGF levels in asthmatic group than control group. There was negative correlation between VEGF serum levels and pulmonary function tests. There was positive correlation between serum VEGF levels and asthma severity. Conclusion: There were higher levels of serum VEGF in asthmatic patients than healthy control. Serum VEGF was higher in those with moderate and severe asthma than those with mild disease.