engleski

Salivary levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in recurrent aphthous ulceration

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional angiogenic cytokine involved in angiogenesis and wound healing. Its presence in recurrent aphthous ulceration has not been reported to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of salivary levels of VEGF with various stages of recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU). VEGF levels were determined in a group of 27 age and sex-matched healthy controls and in 30 patients with minor and major RAU grouped into the three stages: (I) early active stage, (II) active stage, and (III) remission period. VEGF levels (pg/ml ; mean +/- SD) in unstimulated whole saliva were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Patients with major RAU - stages I and II - had decreased VEGF values (765 458 and 341 109, respectively) when compared both to healthy controls (1652 567 ; P <0.01) and to stage III major RAU (1524 784 ; P <0.005). Salivary VEGF levels seemed to be associated with ulcer development in major RAU, showing stage- dependent alterations during the course of this disorder.

vascular endothelial growth factor ; saliva ; aphthous ulceration

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