epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor( bFGF), AA isoform of
platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA), BB isoform of platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF-BB)
and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in the pathogenesis of airway
inflammation in asthma. This study investigates the relation between asthmatic phenotype and levels
of these mediators in induced sputum and serum.
Methods:
62 asthmatic patients were divided into eosinophilic and neutrophilic phenotype by
cytological classification in induced sputum; groups of FEV1/FVC%>70% and FEV1/FVC%< 70% by lung
function; mild, moderate and severe asthma by asthma severity. And the concentrations of EGF,
bFGF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB and VEGF in serum and sputum were measured using sandwich enzyme
immunoassays.
Results:
VEGF levels in serum and induced sputum were higher in subjects with eosinophilic
phenotype than that of neutrophilic phenotype, in patients with FEV1/FVC%< 70% than that of
patients with FEV1/FVC%>70% ,in severe asthma than that of mild and moderate asthma. There
were no differences of EGF, bFGF, PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB between various phenotypes.
Conclusions:
Increased VEGF in serum and induced sputum were found in asthmatics with
eosinophilic airway inflammation, more severe airflow limitation and asthma severity.
Key words: asthma; phenotype; EGF; bFGF; PDGF; VEGF