VEGFA serum levels in multiple sclerosis and controls: Impact of genetic variants

Introduction Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a key regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, with potential roles in neuroinflammation and multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Previous studies have linked VEGFA dysregulation to blood-brain barrier disruption and MS progression, highlighting its importance as a biomarker for disease activity. Aim To investigate serum VEGFA concentrations in MS and healthy individuals and evaluate the influence of VEGFA genetic variants in these groups. Methods This case-control study included 40 MS patients and 40 healthy controls. Serum VEGFA levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare VEGFA concentrations between groups, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Genotypic analysis focused on VEGFA polymorphisms rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, rs2146323, and rs833061. Results Serum VEGFA levels were significantly higher in MS patients compared to controls (151.864 [150.906] pg/ml vs. 66.695 [142.535] pg/ml, p=0.004). Among genetic variants, MS patients carrying the rs1570360 AG genotype exhibited higher VEGFA levels than controls (149.837 [117.168] pg/ml vs. 56.978 [112.461] pg/ml, p=0.004). Similarly, increased VEGFA levels were observed in MS patients with the rs699947 AA genotype (147.045 [145.599] pg/ml vs. 61.069 [116.175] pg/ml, p=0.039), rs3025033 AA genotype (117.559 [151.755] pg/ml vs. 65.588 [69.698] pg/ml, p=0.036), rs2146323 AC genotype (178.720 [105.854] pg/ml vs. 52.186 [2.763] pg/ml, p=0.010) and rs833061 AC genotype (139.606 [134.019] pg/ml vs. 61.069 [116.175] pg/ml, p=0.044). Conclusions Serum VEGFA levels are significantly different in MS patients compared to healthy controls, with specific VEGFA genetic variants linked to higher serum VEGFA concentrations in MS.