[Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) concentration correlates with soluble adhesion molecules and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rheumatoid arthritis]

Abstract

In present study we investigated whether the serum concentration of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is associated with soluble adhesion molecules and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and VEGF were assessed by ELISA in 38 patients with RA. We demonstrated the TNF-alpha to correlate with sICAM-1 (p < 0.001), sVCAM-1 (p < 0.01) and VEGF (p < 0.01). No association was noticed between TNF-alpha and sE-selectin serum concentrations. Moreover, serum TNF-alpha, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and VEGF levels correlated with markers of RA activity such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein level and the number of swollen joints. Data presented in this report support the concept of the VEGF synthesis stimulation by TNF-alpha. Analysis of the serum TNF-alpha, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and VEGF levels may be useful in the prediction of the RA activity.