Plasma Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) profile and the association with synovial inflammation in knee osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology is affected by the inflammatory process of the synovium, which in turn plays a role in the prevention of disease progression. It is believed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an essential growth factor for vascular endothelial cells, is engaged in synovial inflammatory process that occurs in knee OA, but the association between circulating VEGF levels with synovial inflammation in knee OA is not well known. Objectives: This study aimed to identify plasma VEGF profile and its association with synovial inflammation in knee OA patients. Methods: a consecutive cross-sectional study of primary knee OA patients with or without synovial inflammation was employed. All research materials from history taking, physical examination, to imaging analysis such as ultrasound as well as measurement of plasma VEGF levels using ELISA were done and analyzed using T-test, Spearman correlation test, Pearson correlation test, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: There was significant increase of circulating plasma VEGF level in knee OA patients with synovial inflammation (p < 0.05). Synovial inflammation was proven associated with high level of plasma VEGF level and influenced by overweight and degree of knee OA variable (p < 0.05), but did not associate with the existence of OA in other joints, consumption of OA therapy, hyperuricemia or diabetes mellitus (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Plasma VEGF levels higher in knee OA with synovial inflammation than without synovial inflammation, and there was an association between high plasma VEGF levels with the occurrence of synovial inflammation in knee OA.