title: Novel investigational vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor antagonists for psoriasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Affecting 1 million people in the UK, psoriasis is a commonly diagnosed inflammatory disease arising from autoimmune processes that are triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. The pathophysiology of psoriasis has been widely studied and there is evidence that angiogenesis is a key component.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review the role of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF), as a key angiogenic mediator in psoriasis pathogenesis is discussed. VEGF is found in higher levels in plaques, normal skin and plasma of patients with psoriasis. The level of VEGF also fluctuates in accordance with disease activity and in response to conventional treatments. There are several VEGF inhibitors currently licenced for use; primarily in the fields of oncology and there are case reports of patients being treated with these therapies for metastatic cancer who have demonstrated significant improvement in their psoriasis. VEGF inhibitory agents have suggested promising utility for the treatment of psoriasis following animal studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VEGF may represent a novel treatment target in psoriasis. However, VEGF inhibitors can cause significant side effects such as hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction. The risks of treatment must be carefully evaluated before VEGF inhibitors are trialled or advocated for psoriasis.
authors: a The Dermatology Research Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, Institute of Inflammation and Repair , University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Malecic
authors: a The Dermatology Research Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, Institute of Inflammation and Repair , University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK.
authors: H S
authors: HS
authors: Young
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
keywords: Psoriasis; VEGF; angiogenesis; treatment; vascular endothelial growth factor