ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION AS SEVERITY STRATIFICATION FACTORS OF CROHN’S DISEASE

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the functional activity of endothelium in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), and to assess its dependence on the severity of disease attack. Materials and methods. Sixteen patients diagnosed CD in the exacerbation phase and those with first diagnosed forms of disease were examined. The control group enclosed 11 practically healthy persons. The blood serum vasculoendothelial growth factor (VEGF) level, plasma desquamated endotheliocytes (DEC) number, as well as microalbuminuria (MAU) level were studied as the markers of endothelial dysfunction (ED). Results. Among CD patients, increased concentrations of ED markers as compared with the control group were revealed. A reliable correlation between the ED indices and the degree of severity of the disease was obtained. Positive correlation between the VEGF, DEC and MAU levels and the systemic inflammation markers (ESR, SRP, fibrinogen and alpha-2-globulin) was found. A mathematical model allowing to predict the degree of severity of CD attack was developed. Conclusions. Endothelial dysfunction, which is expressed by the increased VEGF, DEC and MAU levels, was detected in CD patients. ED indices directly depend on the serum markers of systemic inflammation. Thus, VEGF, DEC and MAU values can serve as a criterion for CD attack severity.

Endothelial dysfunction, Crohn’s disease, vasculoendothelial growth factor (VEGF), desquamated endotheliocytes, microalbuminuria