RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is a complex process, involving a great number of mediators. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, holding a critical role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The objective of this study was to assess serum levels of angiogenin, angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and endostatin in IBD patients. METHODS: Measurement of all angiogenesis mediators was performed with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fifty-two patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 59 with Crohn's disease (CD), and 55 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. The values were analyzed with regard to disease and patients characteristics. RESULTS: Angiogenin levels were significantly higher in IBD patients compared to HC (P < 0.001) and in UC and CD smoker patients compared to nonsmokers (P = 0.0121 and P = 0.005, respectively). Angiogenin levels were lower in UC patients receiving 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) alone, compared to those receiving combined therapy (P = 0.0478). Angiopoietin-1 levels were significantly lower in IBD patients compared to HC (P < 0.0001) and increased in smokers compared to nonsmoker UC patients (P = 0.0085). IBD patients demonstrated increased angiopoietin-2 levels compared to HC (P = 0.0131), while CD patients with disease restricted to the colon had significantly lower levels compared to other disease locations (P < 0.0001). Higher endostatin levels were recorded in UC patients with extensive colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum angiogenin and angiopoietin-2 levels and lower serum angiopoietin-1 levels were shown in IBD patients, as well as a different pattern of angiogenic factor alterations related to location, treatment, smoking habits and gender.