increased Midkine level related to high expression of Vascular endothelial growth factor: as an inflammatory Mediator in patients suffering from asthma
Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which produces sticky secretions inside the tubes, narrowing the airways and filling them with mucus. Research has shown that there are many factors that play a role in the exacerbation and severity of the disease. Recent studies consider midkine as an inflammatory marker related to the level of inflammation in patients, the study aims to investigate the role of midkine and its related with the expression of VEGF, which it stimulates in asthma patients, and the role of this factor in the development and severity of asthma through several additional related mechanisms, such as stimulating the antioxidant system related to oxidative stress. 120 participants were enrolled in this study, blood samples were obtained from forty patients with chronic Asthma, forty patients with acute Asthma, and forty healthy people as control groups. Medkine levels in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). and serum Creactive protein (C-RP) levels were measured by the sandwich immunodetection method. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The extent of oxidative stress was measured through the activity of SOD and CAT enzymes, in addition to measuring the levels of oxidative markers such as MDA and AOPP. Data were analyzed using SPPS version 28 and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed a significant increase in VEGF expression levels in each group of patients compared to the control group (P<0.05), and the levels of Midkine and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the patient groups compared to the control groups (P<0.05). In addition, a positive correlation was observed. Between levels of medicin and C-reactive protein. Markers of oxidative stress as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased in patient groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The results suggest levels of Midkine are proportional with VEGF gene expression through the presence of a positive significant correlation between them according to the results, which may be an important factor in stimulating inflammation and oxidative stress in asthma patients, which leads to exacerbation of the disease.