VEGF as a Biomarker for Disease Activity in Lupus Nephritis
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as a Biomarker for Disease Activity in Lupus Nephritis
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Wan Syamimee Wan Ghazali, Rahimah Iberahim, Noor Suryani Mohd Ashari
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as a Biomarker for Disease Activity in Lupus Nephritis
Year: 2017 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.5.7
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by various clinical manifestations, with lupus nephritis (LN) being one of the most common and severe complications associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Previous research has indicated elevated serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with active SLE, particularly those presenting with lupus nephritis. This study aimed to compare serum VEGF levels among SLE patients with and without lupus nephritis, as well as healthy control participants, to explore the association between serum VEGF levels, the activity of lupus nephritis, and the histological classes of the condition.
Significance of Serum VEGF in Lupus Nephritis
The study found that serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in SLE patients with active lupus nephritis compared to those with quiescent nephritis and healthy controls. Specifically, the median serum VEGF level in patients with active nephritis was 658.91 pg/mL, notably higher than 273.68 pg/mL in inactive disease and 343.00 pg/mL in healthy controls. While VEGF levels correlated with nephritis activity, there was no significant relationship between serum VEGF levels and the histological classes of lupus nephritis. This suggests that while serum VEGF may serve as a potential biomarker for disease activity, it is not definitive enough to replace traditional diagnostic methods like renal biopsy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study illustrates an increase in serum VEGF levels in SLE patients, particularly those with active lupus nephritis, supporting the role of VEGF in the disease's pathogenesis. Nevertheless, it emphasizes that serum VEGF alone cannot adequately substitute for conventional clinical metrics, such as the renal British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (rBILAG) score and histological evaluation, in assessing lupus nephritis activity and guiding treatment. This underscores the importance of continued research into combined novel biomarkers and established clinical parameters for more effective prediction and management of renal flares in lupus nephritis. Further investigations into other VEGF-related parameters could enhance diagnostic sensitivity and improve patient outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study on serum VEGF levels?
The study aimed to compare serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), specifically assessing differences between those with lupus nephritis (LN), non-LN patients, and healthy controls.
How were patients selected for the study?
Ninety-two SLE patients were recruited from rheumatology clinics at University Sains Malaysia. They were categorized into LN and non-LN, matched with healthy controls based on age and gender, and specific eligibility criteria were applied.
What were the findings regarding serum VEGF levels?
The study found that serum VEGF levels were significantly elevated in SLE patients with LN, particularly in those with active nephritis compared to quiescent nephritis. However, no significant differences were detected when comparing LN with non-LN groups.
What does the conclusion suggest about serum VEGF as a marker?
The study concluded that while serum VEGF levels are elevated in active lupus nephritis, they may not replace conventional clinical parameters like rBILAG scores or renal biopsy results in assessing nephritis activity.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “VEGF as a Biomarker for Disease Activity in Lupus Nephritis”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
In medical research, a table organizes data in rows and columns, which enhances the clarity of results. Tables provide a structured overview of variables, allowing for easy comparison and assessment of findings. In the context of this study, tables summarize patient demographics, serum VEGF levels, and treatment data, facilitating analysis.
2) Disease:
A disease is a pathological condition characterized by particular symptoms and signs. In this study, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a complex autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems. Understanding diseases helps in identifying biomarkers like serum VEGF, assessing patient outcomes, and developing effective treatment strategies.
3) Study (Studying):
In the context of research, a study is a systematic investigation to discover facts or reach new conclusions. This study examines serum VEGF levels in SLE patients to explore associations with lupus nephritis. Research studies like this contribute to the scientific understanding of disease mechanisms and potential therapies.
4) Activity:
Activity refers to the state of being operative or functioning, particularly in relation to a disease. In this study, disease activity refers to the level of renal involvement and severity of lupus nephritis as assessed by the renal BILAG score, which helps classify treatment approaches and predict outcomes.
5) Rules:
Rules in research refer to the established guidelines or criteria that govern methodologies. In this study, rules dictate the classification of SLE and lupus nephritis, enabling standardized patient selection and data interpretation. Adherence to rules ensures the reliability and validity of findings, critical for scientific advancements.
6) Blood:
Blood is a vital bodily fluid responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. In this study, blood samples are analyzed to measure serum VEGF levels in SLE patients. Understanding blood's biochemical markers can help identify disease severity, monitor treatment responses, and improve patient management.
7) Masi (Mashi):
Masi refers to one of the authors, Dr. Masi, involved in the research on systemic lupus erythematosus criteria. The contribution of various researchers like Dr. Masi is essential in establishing clinical guidelines, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and fostering collaborative investigations that improve understanding of complex diseases such as SLE.
8) Post:
In medical research, 'post' often refers to stages after a certain event or treatment. The post-study analyses, such as evaluating serum VEGF levels after treatment interventions, help gauge the efficacy of therapies. This can guide clinical decision-making and improve patient management strategies in lupus nephritis.
9) Measurement:
Measurement in research involves quantifying specific variables or outcomes. In this study, serum VEGF levels are measured to assess their correlation with disease activity in lupus nephritis. Accurate measurement techniques are essential for producing reliable data that influence treatment decisions and contribute to understanding disease mechanisms.
10) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, playing a pivotal role in autoimmune diseases like SLE. This study investigates the association of inflammatory markers such as serum VEGF with lupus nephritis activity. Understanding inflammation can guide therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing tissue damage and disease progression.
11) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. This study contributes to the field of rheumatology, specifically in understanding systemic lupus erythematosus and its treatment. Innovative findings in medicine enhance patient care and can lead to new therapeutic interventions.
12) Allergy:
Allergy refers to the hypersensitive immune response to substances that are ordinarily harmless. In the context of systemic lupus erythematosus, understanding allergies is important, as SLE patients may have concurrent allergic conditions. Recognizing this can guide comprehensive patient evaluations and treatment plans.
13) Pulse:
In medicine, 'pulse' refers to the rhythmic expansion of arteries caused by heartbeats, indicative of circulatory health. It can also refer to pulse therapy, where patients receive high doses of medication over a short period, such as in the treatment of active lupus nephritis, as mentioned in the study.
14) Ter:
Ther refers to therapeutic approaches and treatments in medical practice. In this context, it highlights various therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus, including immunosuppressive medications. Understanding different therapeutic options can influence patient outcomes and optimize treatment strategies for managing lupus nephritis severity.
15) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical section in research papers where authors interpret results, relate findings to existing literature, and explore implications. In this study, the discussion elaborates on the significance of serum VEGF levels in lupus nephritis, providing context for the findings and suggesting future research directions.
16) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth, progression, or the introduction of new methods or findings in research. In this study, developing knowledge around biomarkers like serum VEGF can potentially lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lupus nephritis, ultimately improving patient care.
17) Science (Scientific):
Science is an organized body of knowledge that derives from observation, experimentation, and analysis. This study contributes to the scientific understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus by exploring the role of serum VEGF and its association with disease activity, advancing the field through evidence-based research.
18) Repair:
Repair refers to the biological processes involved in healing or restoring function after cellular or tissue damage. In the context of lupus nephritis, understanding the repair mechanisms influenced by factors like serum VEGF can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating kidney damage in affected patients.
19) Avila:
Avila refers to an author likely involved in the work pertaining to systemic lupus erythematosus. Authors’ contributions are crucial in bringing expertise to research. References to works authored by individuals like Avila highlight collaborative efforts in advancing understanding of lupus and driving innovation in therapeutic strategies.
20) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used for medical treatment or to alleviate disease symptoms. In this study, the mention of drugs refers to the various medications used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus. Understanding drug efficacy is vital for optimizing treatment plans for SLE patients.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘VEGF as a Biomarker for Disease Activity in Lupus Nephritis’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Pregnancy, Treatment, Clinical data, Diabetes mellitus, Blood-pressure, Statistical analysis, Data analysis, Autoimmune disease, Statistical Significance, Study population, Study group, Clinical presentation, Laboratory investigation, Serum creatinine level, Disease pathology, Serum Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Hydroxychloroquine, Angiogenesis, Early intervention, Urinary tract infection, Study protocol, Renal function, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Disease activity, Serum albumin, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Plasma albumin, Renal failure, Steroid medication, Mann–Whitney U-test, Kidney function, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), Systemic lupus erythematosus, Renal disease, High dose steroids, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), WHO Classification, Biomarker, Urinalysis, Histological type, Healthy control, Azathioprine, Endothelial cell proliferation, Standard curve, Clinical parameter, Blood sample, Renal biopsy, Systemic sepsis, Novel biomarkers, Lupus nephritis, Lupus erythematosus, Serum VEGF level, Clinical potential, Kidney Biopsy, Immunosuppressive treatment, Mycophenolate mofetil, Complement levels, Endothelial cell injury, Histological evidence, Anti DsDNA, Interstitial fibrosis, Two-tailed P value, Renal tissue, Urine protein, Angiogenic factor.