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VEGF may be a marker for disease activity, new bone growth in patients with AS

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Serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels were associated with disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, according to the results of a study.

Researchers studied 98 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 49 healthy participants matched for age and sex.

Patients were 76% men with a mean age of 39 years. Patients were diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria. Laboratory serological values of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteocalcin, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 were measured.

Disease activity in patients with AS was assessed using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI).

Radiographs of the pelvis, cervical and lumbar spine were collected and scored according to the modified New York and modified Stokes ankylosing spondylitis spinal score (mSASSS).

Patients with AS had significantly higher ESR, VEGF and CRP levels compared to controls, and VEGF levels were correlated with ESR, CRP, IL-6, IL-8 and the ASDAS-CRP. Hip involvement, sacroiliac joint ankylosis and the presence of syndesmophytes were not associated with VEGF. Osteocalcin was not associated with VEGF, but was found in higher concentrations in patients with AS compared to control participants.

“The results of the present study showed that VEGF may be a good indicator of disease activity in AS and osteocalcin may have a role in new bone formation,” the researchers concluded. – by Shirley Pulawski

Reference:

Solmaz D, et al. Paper #AB0157. Presented at: European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology. June 10-13, 2015; Rome.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.