Serum Concentrations of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Polish Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Are Associated with Cardiovascular Risk and Autoantibody Profiles

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study was conducted to analyze the associations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum concentrations and immunological biomarkers, inflammatory parameters, classical atherosclerosis risk factors, and cardiovascular manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. <b>Methods</b>: The project included 83 individuals suffering from SLE, with 20 healthy individuals as controls. The serum levels of VEGF were determined through the ELISA method using R&D Systems tests. Laboratory markers, autoantibody profiles, traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, and organ manifestations were evaluated. Atherosclerotic changes were determined based on several indices including carotid intima-media thickness, ankle-brachial index and high resistance index assessments. <b>Results</b>: The reference range of serum VEGF concentrations was established based on the 25th and 75th percentiles obtained in the controls. High VEGF levels were significantly correlated with the presence of selected anti-phospholipid antibodies such as anti-prothrombin (OR = 10.7; 95%CI: 2.1-53.4) and anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (OR = 3.5; 95%CI: 1.1-10.8), as well as cardiac disorders (OR = 8.0; 95%CI: 1.6-39.5). On the other hand, low concentrations of VEGF were significantly related to lower frequencies of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.11-0.91) and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (OR = 0.30; 95%CI: 0.11-0.85). Patients with low VEGF levels showed significantly reduced risks of atherosclerotic lesions (OR = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.04-0.99) and vasculitis development (OR = 0.17; 95%CI = 0.03-0.91). <b>Conclusions</b>: In conclusion, VEGF's pathogenetic role in SLE and SLE-related atherothrombosis is manifested in close correlation with aPLs which may enhance their direct impact on endothelium. High VEGF levels are helpful for identifying cardiovascular risk in patients, while low concentrations indicate lower disease activity, as well as a lower risk of organ involvement.