AB0798 Clinical associations of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor 2 type in systemic sclerosis. (12th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alekperov, R.; Alexandrova, E.; Novikov, A.; Ananyeva, L.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 77(2018)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 1531
• Page End: 1531
• Publication Date: 2018-06-12
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-eular.4064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by impaired angiogenesis and peripheral microvasculopathy. A major role in the regulation of angiogenesis attributed to vascular endothelial growth factor, which performs its functions through interaction with its receptor 2 type (VEGFR2). Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the levels of VEGF in serum and its associations with clinical manifestations in patients with SSc. Methods: We studied 46 patients with SSc who underwent clinical examination, pulmonary function tests and echocardiography. Serum VEGF-A and VEGFR2 levels were determined by ELISA in 46 SSc patients and 20 healthy controls Results: Mean VEGF levels were increased in SSc patients compared to controls (212, 35±253, 93 and 97, 74±71, 46 pg/ml, respectively; p=0, 032). Patients with limited cutaneous SSc (n=23) had higher levels of serum VEGF than those with diffuse cutaneous SSc (n=23) (267, 11±268, 74 vs 120, 40±141, 09 pg/ml; p=0, 012). Patients with fingertip ulcers (n=19) were found to have higher levels of VEGF than pts without fingertip ulcers.(n=27) (214, 25±265, 93 vs 162, 88±188, 97) but this difference wasn't significant. Serum VEGF levels were higher in SSc patients with sPAP >30 mmHg than in those with sPAP ≤30 mmHg (286, 51±287, 42 vs 92, 88±108, 06 pg/ml; p=0, 0042) and correlated with sPAP values (R=0, 40; p=0, 007). Mean VEGF levels in patients with DLCO <50% (n=14) were significantly higher than those with DLCO ≥50% (n=30): 364, 20±381, 95 vs 128, 55±142, 70 pg/ml, respectively (p=0, 034). There weren't significant differences in VEGF levels between patients with FVC <80% (n=11) and those with FVC ≥80% (219, 15±252, 57 vs 154, 26±208, 91 pg/ml, respectively). Mean VEGFR2 levels were also increased in SSc pts compared to controls (5784, 6±4773, 8 and 1552, 6±272, 8 pg/ml, respectively; p<0, 0001). There weren't any differences between pts with diffuse or limited SSc. In pts with digital ulcers, or normal levels of sPAP, or DLco ≥50% mean VEGFR2 levels didn't differ from those without digital ulcers, or sPAP >30 mm Hg, or DLco <50%, respectively. Serum VEGF levels directly correlated with sPAP (R=0, 40; p=0, 007). Conclusions: Our findings show significantly higher circulating levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 in SSc patients. Associations of VEGF with some clinical signs indicate its role in pathology of SSc. Disclosure of Interest: None declared