HGF, HNRPD, and sFLT1 Interfere with the Induction of VEGF in Patients with Severe Psoriasis

Background: Restructuring of dermal microcapillaries is one of the hallmarks of plaque psoriasis. To control the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the remodeling of the existing blood vessels and angiogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to explain the lowering protein and mRNA levels of VEGF in lesional skin of patients with severe psoriasis (the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, PASI > 25). Methods: Using the method of qPCR, we assessed the expression of VEGF mRNA in lesional and nonlesional psoriatic skin. Using ELISA, we also compared the levels of VEGF in skin homogenates of psoriasis patients and healthy volunteers. Results: We found that the exacerbation of psoriasis induced VEGF on mRNA and protein levels 12 and 20 times, respectively. We also confirmed a strong correlation between VEGF and PASI score in patients with PASI < 25. In addition, we showed that several factors, namely HGF, HNRPD, and sFLT1 interfere with the biosynthesis of VEGF in skin lesions of patients with PASI > 25%. Conclusion: Thus, using VEGF as a biomarker to monitor the disease shall be done cautiously in patients with severe psoriasis.