Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and other cytokines in atopic dermatitis, and correlation with clinical features

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was found increased in the stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, its potential pathogenic role(s) in AD needs further clarification. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether VEGF serum levels correlate with other selected cytokine levels and features of AD. METHODS: VEGF and other cytokine levels were measured in 83 patients with AD and in a control group and then correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters of AD. RESULTS: The mean serum concentrations of VEGF and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly higher in patients with AD than in the control group, whereas the mean interleukin eight serum level was lower. VEGF concentrations correlated with the severity of AD as expressed by SCORAD index and objective SCORAD. CONCLUSION: VEGF could be regarded as a potentially important mediator in the pathogenesis of AD, as VEGF levels correlate somewhat with AD severity.