Vascular endothelial growth factor in Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possible role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (IHSP).


METHODS
Plasma VEGF levels were determined in 22 children by ELISA. Ten age matched healthy children served as controls. VEGF expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry within the cutaneous vasculitic lesion as well as the nonaffected skin and in the skin specimens during the resolution of the disease. RESULTS. Plasma VEGF levels in pg/ml (mean +/- SE) were significantly higher during the acute phase (407.8 +/- 64.92) when compared with the levels seen during the resolution phase (202.17 +/- 26.6; p < 0.002) and in healthy controls (135 +/- 22.8; p < 0.001). Analysis showed that there was a correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate. C-reactive protein, white blood cell and platelet count. In all skin specimens, the intensity of the staining of VEGF in the epidermis, dermis, and vascular endothelial bed were evaluated and scored from (+) to (++++). VEGF expression in the epidermis and the vascular bed was more intense in resolving lesions compared with acute vasculitic lesions (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that as a potent permeability, chemotactic, and migratory factor, VEGF may play a crucial role in the morphological and functional changes of the vascular bed and inflammatory reaction in HSP.
Topaloglu
R
R
Department of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University Ankkra, Turkey.
Sungur
A
A
Baskin
E
E
Besbas
N
N
Saatci
U
U
Bakkaloglu
A
A
D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D002097:C-Reactive Protein