Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin as Critical Biomarkers in Patients with Burn Injury

Background: Burn is one of the most common and serious types of injuries, affecting millions of people worldwide. Objective: This study aims to investigate the immunological role of Vascular endothelial growth factor and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in patients with first and second-degree burn injuries. Methodology: From 1st June 2024 until the end of January 2025, 88 participants were enrolled in this study as follows: 48 burn patients aged ≥ 18 years old (26 patients with first-degree burn and 22 patients with second-degree burn), and 40 healthy volunteers as controls. VEGF and NGAL have been measured in all participants' blood using the ELISA technique. Results: The results proved that there was a significant increase (P value<0.0001) in serum levels of VEGF in total burns patients (293.4 ± 11.81pg/ml) compared with control (161.0 ± 14.42 pg/ml. The serum levels of VEGF of second-degree burn patients (334.3 ± 20.81 pg/ml) were significantly higher (P0.0004) than serum levels of first-degree burn patients (258.7 ± 8.436 pg/l). Also, the serum levels of NGAL were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in total patients (4176 ± 182.2 pg/ml) than in healthy individuals (150.1 ± 9.0 pg/ml). Patients who had second-degree burns (5200 ± 84.65 pg/ml) had significantly higher (P < 0.0001) serum levels of NGAL than those who had first-degree burns (3310 ± 211.4 pg/ml). Conclusion: Our findings show that VEGF and NGAL had an important immunological role in second- and first-degree burn patients; these markers might be helpful in burn treatment.