Background: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are angiogenic cytokines, that have been reported to elevate serum levels in patients with collagen diseases such as systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis as well as in those with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Objective: In this study, the serum levels of bFGF and VEGF were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN; 5 with systemic PAN and 15 with cutaneous PAN) and in 20 control subjects. We also investigated the expression of bFGF and VEGF in cutaneous lesions of patients by using immunohistochemical methods.
Results: Basic FGF was undetectable in the serum of control subjects, but detectable levels were found in 4 of 5 patients with classical PAN and 3 of 15 patients with cutaneous PAN. The serum bFGF level in these patients with systemic PAN was significantly elevated in comparison with that in healthy control subjects. The VEGF level was 178 +/- 41 pg/mL in the serum of healthy individuals. The mean VEGF level in patients with systemic or cutaneous PAN was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. Serum bFGF and VEGF levels in patients with systemic PAN were significantly elevated in comparison with those having cutaneous PAN. Immunohistochemical studies showed elevated bFGF expression on damaged endothelial cells in necrotizing vasculitis lesions. Elevated expression of bFGF was also observed on fibroblasts around the vasculitis. Some of the infiltrating cells around vasculitis lesions expressed VEGF.
Limitations: The study was small.
Conclusions: Serum bFGF and VEGF levels may be useful markers of the disease activities of PAN.