Serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor decreased in chronic ketamine abusers.

AIMS: To evaluate the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a group of chronic ketamine abusers in comparison to healthy controls.

METHODS

Eighty-one ketamine abusers who were hospitalized for the treatment of ketamine dependence and 39 healthy controls were recruited. Serum VEGF level was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

RESULTS

Serum level of VEGF was significantly lower in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls (64.6±42.1 vs. 92.4±59.4pg/ml, F=7.243, p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum level of VEGF decreased in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls.