Immunohistochimical assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Chronic rhinitis is a very common illness that affects high percentage of patients and leads to frequent visits to physicians. Nasal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can have impact on function and quality of life. Rhinitis has traditionally been classified into two broad categories: allergic rhinitis, which implies a rhinitis primarily related to immune-mediated inflammation; and non allergic rhinitis, which implies a nonimmune mechanism that triggers the patient’s symptoms. While much is understood and has been written about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis, a relative paucity of information is present for non allergic rhinitis. Certain factors may affect the pathogenesis of rhinitis as VEGF. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional cytokine that increases microvascular permeability and directly stimulates endothelial cell growth and angiogenesis. In some literatures, VEGF is more potent than histamine in increasing vascular permeability.