ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and osteocalcin levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We also assessed the relationship among VEGF/osteocalcin levels and disease related parameters including radiographic outcomes.

Methods:

In total 97 consecutive AS patients [76 males (78%); with a mean age of 39.3±10.0 years] according to the modified New York criteria and 48 healthy controls [36 males (75%); with a mean age of 39.0±5.9 years] were included. Serum VEGF, osteocalcin, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 levels were measured by commercially available ELISA kits. Disease related characteristics of patients were assessed by using BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI. Radiographs of the pelvis, cervical and lumbar spine were scored by using the modified New York and modified Stokes ankylosing spondylitis spinal score (mSASSS).

Results:

Age and sex distribution were not different between AS patients and control subjects. Serum VEGF level was found to be significantly higher in our AS patients compared with controls. In our study group serum VEGF levels were correlated with hs-CRP (r=0.284; p=0.005), ESR (r=0.270; p=0.008), IL-6 level (r=0.349; p<0.001), IL-8 (r=0.435; p<0.001) and ASDAS-CRP (r=0.235; p=0.022). Our study showed that although serum osteocalcin level was not statistically different in AS patients and controls it was significantly higher in patients with sacroiliac joint ankylosis and hip involvement.

Conclusion:

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.

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Evaluation of serum level of the vascular endothelial growth factor and osteocalcin in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

ABSTRACT

References