Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis

Int J Dermatol. 2016 Jan;55(1):52-9. doi: 10.1111/ijd.12842. Epub 2015 Jul 1.

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic disorders. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor that was overexpressed in both psoriatic and atherosclerotic lesions. In a prospective controlled study, we investigated the correlation between serum levels of VEGF and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Method: Sixty patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited to the study. Mean intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (MIMT-CCA) and serum VEGF levels of all subjects were measured. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as having an MIMT-CCA ≥0.8 mm.

Results: Serum VEGF levels in psoriatic patients were significantly higher compared with healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Psoriatic patients had significantly greater MIMT-CCA than healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Forty-five percent of patients and 6.7% of the healthy controls had subclinical atherosclerosis (P < 0.0001). In the patient group, subclinical atherosclerosis was significantly associated with serum VEGF levels, age, disease duration, and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI).

Conclusion: This study supported the possible role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Atherosclerosis / blood*
  • Atherosclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prognosis
  • Psoriasis / blood*
  • Psoriasis / physiopathology*
  • Reference Values
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / blood*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A