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Vascular endothelial growth factor in allergen‐induced nasal inflammation
Author(s) -
Choi GS,
Park HJ,
Hur GY,
Choi SJ,
Shin SY,
Ye YM,
Park HS
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03216.x
Subject(s) - medicine , eosinophil cationic protein , immunology , mucous membrane of nose , provocation test , immunoglobulin e , eosinophil , vascular endothelial growth factor , allergy , nasal provocation test , sensitization , cytokine , allergen , inflammation , allergic inflammation , antibody , pathology , vegf receptors , asthma , alternative medicine
Summary Background Increased vessel number and permeability are important features of the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis (AR), and are mediated in part by the cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Eosinophils are the major effector cells in the nasal secretions of patients with AR during the responses to allergen challenges. To evaluate the involvement of VEGF in nasal allergic inflammation, we monitored the levels of VEGF, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and specific antibodies in the nasal lavage fluids (NLFs) of patients with AR in response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ( Dpt ). Methods Sixty‐three subjects with sensitization to Dpt were enrolled: 29 patients with AR (group I) who showed positive responses in a nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dpt ; and 34 asymptomatic controls (group II) who showed sensitization to Dpt but negative NPT results. NLF samples were collected at baseline, 10, 30, and 60 min, and at 3, 6, and 24 h during the NPT. The ECP levels in the NLF samples were measured using the ImmunoCAP system. VEGF and Dpt ‐specific IgE, IgA, and IgG in the NLF samples were detected by ELISA. Results The eosinophil counts and ECP levels in the samples were significantly increased in group I, but not in group II, during the early and late responses. Although the baseline VEGF level was not significantly different between groups I and II, increased VEGF production was noted in group I after the NPT, especially during the early response. The level of Dpt ‐specific IgA was significantly increased in group I during the NPT. A relationship was found between the levels of VEGF and ECP or Dpt ‐specific IgA in the NLF samples collected at 10 min and at 3–6 h ( P <0.05, respectively). Conclusion Nasal VEGF secretion in response to allergen exposure may augment eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR.