Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as a Biomarker for Disease Activity in Lupus Nephritis
- Author:
Wan Syamimee Wan Ghazali
;
Rahimah Iberahim
;
Noor Suryani Mohd Ashari
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF);
biomarker;
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
lupus nephritis (LN);
renal British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (rBILAG)
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2017;24(5):62-72
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Previous studies have shown that serum VEGF levels were elevated in
patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially in those with lupus nephritis
(LN). In this case control study, we aimed to compare serum levels of VEGF in SLE patients
between LN, non-LN and healthy participants to determine the association between serum VEGF
levels and the activity and histological classes of lupus nephritis.
Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 92 SLE patients (46 LN and 46 non-LN) and
26 controls. Data were collected from medical records. Serum VEGF assays were performed by
specific, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits (ELISA). Laboratory investigations included
urinalysis, urine protein–creatinine ratio, serum creatinine, albumin and VEGF levels. Blood
pressure, renal biopsy result and treatment were recorded. LN activity was evaluated using
the renal subscale of the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (rBILAG, 2004). The rBILAG
measures blood pressure (diastolic and systolic), urine protein, serum creatinine, calculated
glomerular filtration rate (GFR), presence of active urinary sediments and histological evidence of
active nephritis.
Results: Serum VEGF was elevated in SLE patients with LN compared with the non-LN
group and healthy controls. The levels found were significantly higher in the sera of patients with
active nephritis compared to those with quiescent nephritis (P = 0.024). The study did not find a
statistically significant relationship between serum VEGF levels and histological classes of LN.
Conclusion: There was no significant difference of serum VEGF level between LN and
non-LN SLE groups and between the non-LN group and healthy controls. However, there were
increased levels of serum VEGF in the LN group, especially in patients with active nephritis as
compared to quiescent nephritis group. This reflects the role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of lupus
nephritis, however the clinical potential of this biomarker needs further study.
