Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica

Abstract

Objective To study the differences of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)in patients with multiple sclerosis(MS)and neuromyelitis optica(NMO),and its association with clinical typing,functional disability,MRI and oligoclonal band examinations.Methods Fifty-three subjects(42 MS patients,11 NMO patients)and 21controls were investigated in the study.MS patients were divided into optic spinal form multiple sclerosis(OSMS)and conventional multiple sclerosis(CMS).The functional disability of MS and NMO patients in relapse was assessed by expand disability status scale(EDSS).MRI scanning of brain,spinal cord or optic nerve was examined and the oligoclonal band in serum and CSF were detected.VEGF concentrations in serum and CSF were assessed by liquid assay.Results Median fluorescence intensity(MFI)of VEGF in CSF of NMO and MS patients was significantly higher than that of controls(110.38 ± 8.58,98.68 ± 3.88 vs77.88 ± 6.44,P = 0.006),while no significant differences were seen between NMO and MS,CMS and OSMS patients.Serum VEGF concentrations of NMO and MS patients with blood brain barrier(BBB)index ≥ 7 or Tourtellotte synthesis rate ≥ 33.0 mg/L was significantly higher than that with BBB index < 7 or Tourtellotte synthesis rate < 33.0 mg/L(P = 0.045,0.035).There were no correlations of VEGF concentrations in serum and CSF with the intensive focus in MRI,the length of spinal cord focus in MRI,EDSS,BBB index,Delpech index and Tourtellotte synthesis rate.Conclusions The concentration of VEGF in CSF of NMO and MS patients is significantly higher than that of controls,but not related with clinical typing.Serum VEGF concentration is associated with BBB barrier dysfunction in MS and NMO.The associations of VEGF concentrations in serum and CSF with MRI,functional disability and IgG synthesis in the central nervous system still need to be further studied. Key words: Multiple sclerosis; Neuromyelitis optica; Vascular endothelial growth factor A