The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the development of various forms of psoriasis

Abstract

One of the biological markers of endothelial dysfunction is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF can be produced by various cell types, including macrophages, keratinocytes, and plays an important role in the normal physiological functions of the body. This factor has been shown to have antiapoptotic effects. VEGF is a key angiogenic factor responsible for the formation of new blood vessels in psoriatic plaques. Changes in VEGF in patients with various clinical forms of psoriasis were investigated. After examination of 96 patients it was found that the level of VEGF in the serum of patients with psoriasis vulgaris was (189.8±11.6) pg/ml (in the localized variant – IPsV) and (412.6±17.2) pg/ml (in diffuse variant – dPsV), the highest VEGF values were determined at pustular psoriasis (PsP) – (469.4±18.3) pg/ ml and erythrodermic form of psoriasis (PsE) – (443.2±17.5) pg/ml (p<0.01 compared with data of the control group). Studies have shown a significant increase in VEGF levels in the blood of patients with drop-shaped, diffuse, erythrodermic and pustular forms of psoriasis (PsG, dPsV, PsE and PsP) in the advanced stage of the disease in 2.0 times, 2.4 times, 2.5 times and in 2.7 times compared to control values. Analysis of VEGF measurement depending on the frequency of recurrence of psoriasis revealed a significant increase in VEGF levels in patients with psoriasis in the advanced stage, recurrence of the disease occurred more often than twice a year relative to similar recurrences 1–2 times a year (p<0,01), which can be explained by the fact that synthesized in the damaged area of skin VEGF enters the systemic bloodstream and affects the permeability of microvascular throughout the body, so the analysis of VEGF levels in patients with severe psoriasis and frequent recurrences may be one of the prognostic criteria for adverse disease. Keywords: psoriasis, clinical forms, vascular endothelial growth factor, lesion area.