Vascular endothelial growth factor and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The interplay with exercise and noninvasive ventilation. Issue 4 (17th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carilho, Rita; de, Mamede; Swash, Michael; Pinto, Susana; Pinto, Anabela; Costa, Júlia
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 49:Issue 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 545
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2014-03-17
• Subjects: Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.23955
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p> <italic>Introduction</italic>: We evaluated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with reference to the effects of respiratory failure, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and exercise. <italic>Methods</italic>: We studied plasma VEGF levels in 83 ALS patients, 20 healthy controls, and 10 patients with other disorders. There were 4 groups of ALS patients: G1, 27 patients without respiratory problems; G2, 14 patients stabilized on nocturnal NIV; G3, 30 patients presenting with respiratory failure; G4, 12 patients on an aerobic exercise protocol. <italic>Results</italic>: VEGF plasma levels did not differ significantly between ALS patients and controls, or between ALS groups. In G3, the mean VEGF levels increased 75% during NIV. In G4, the mean VEGF level increased by 300% during the exercise program. VEGF levels did not change during the course of the disease. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: VEGF levels in ALS depend on changes in ventilation and exercise but are probably not affected by the disease process itself. Muscle Nerve 49:545–550, 2014</p> </abstract>