Angiogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus (sle) and primary antiphospholipid syndrome (paps)

C Navarro, L Candia-Zúñiga, LH Silveira, V Ruiz, MC AmigoMolecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Sección XVI, Mexico Rheumatoly Service, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Sección XVI, MexicoBackground Angiogenesis is an essential process of the body´s physiology and plays a role in several diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, neoplasias or atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenin (Ang) are factors that promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo . However, new vessels formation seems limited to tissues with some degree of inflammation or with hypoxia. SLE and PAPS are characterised by endothelial damage and the mechanisms of angiogenesis have not been explored in these diseases. Objectives In this study we determine the possible role of VEGF and Ang in the pathogenesis of SLE and PAPS. Methods We included 28 SLE patients, 10 PAPS patients and 24 matched controls. VEGF and Ang plasma levels were measured by ELISA. Results The VEGF plasma levels were significantly increased in SLE patients compared with PAPS patients and controls, p < 0.01. The Ang levels were similar in the three groups. No correlation between VEGF levels and clinical manifestations was found. Abstract FRI0091 Table 1 Gender (F/M) Age (years) VEGF (pg/ml) (median/range) SLE Group 24/4 36.6 ± 16.1 70.25 (4.69–341.2) PAPS Group 8/2 36.2 ± 8.0 34.1 (6.91–83.78) Control 19/5 29.2 ± 8.5 23.48 (0–307.4) Conclusion The raised levels of VEGF in SLE might be related to the process of endothelial repair present in different organs of lupus patients. Citation: Ann Rheum Dis, volume 60, supplement 1, year 2001, page A487Session: SLE – Etiology and pathogenesis/Animal models