Evaluation of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptors in patients suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Overexpression and enhanced release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been detected in various types of allergic inflammation, including asthma. AIM: To further evaluate the pattern of systemic release of VEGF in atopic allergy, free circulating VEGF was measured in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). METHODS: The concentrations of VEGF and its soluble receptors (sVEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2) in plasma were measured in patients with PAR sensitized to house dust mites and the healthy subjects. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between PAR patients and healthy subjects with respect to plasma levels of VEGF and its receptors. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that free circulating VEGF may not be elevated in PAR patients. Moreover, on the basis of the present study as well as the earlier ones, it appears likely that systemic release of VEGF varies among patients with distinct clinical manifestation of atopy; may depend on severity/activity and the extent of inflammatory response.