Infliximab downregulates basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in Crohn's disease patients

Background: The use of infliximab in the treatment of Crohn's disease patients with symptomatic stenosis is controversial. Aim: To explore the influence of this agent on intestinal fibrogenesis by measuring in infliximab-treated Crohn's disease patients the serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, two factors known to be involved in the process of intestinal wound healing and fibrosis in this condition. Methods: Serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 22 patients with steroid refractory or fistulizing Crohn's disease before, during (2 weeks) and after 12 weeks of treatment with infliximab, administered at week 0, 2 and 6 in a dose of 5 mg/kg. Results: A substantial improvement in 19 of the 22 Crohn's disease patients was accompanied by a rapid and durable reduction in basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor serum levels. Conclusions: The action of infliximab in reducing serum basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor would seem to suggest a role of this agent in down-regulating the process of intestinal fibrogenesis in Crohn's disease.