Prospective role of VEGF in the association between periodontitis and psoriasis: a scoping review

Introduction: Increasing evidence suggests an association between periodontitis and psoriasis. Both diseases share immunoinflammatory mechanisms and involve angiogenesis mediated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF). Therefore, it is plausible that VEGF plays a role in connecting both diseases. Objetive: To systematically summarize current evidence regarding the biological plausibility of VEGF’s involvement in the association between periodontitis and psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A Scoping Review was conducted following established guidelines. Ad-hoc keywords and inclusion criteria were developed for a comprehensive literature search in PubMed. Only human studies published in the last 7 years were included, excluding non-English or non-Spanish publications. Two independent reviewers performed title and abstract screening, followed by full-text analysis and data extraction. Results: Twelve studies were included. Main focuses were the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of VEGF in patients with periodontitis (n=7), the blood serum levels of VEGF in patients with periodontitis (n=3), and the blood serum levels of VEGF in patients with psoriasis (n=3). No studies regarding the GCF levels of VEGF in patients with psoriasis were found. None of the included studies addressed individuals with concurrent periodontitis and psoriasis. Conclusions: Existing evidence shows elevated levels of VEGF in GCF and serum samples of patients with periodontitis. Increased levels of VEGF were also observed in serum samples of individuals with psoriasis. There is a knowledge gap regarding the GCF levels of VEGF among this group. The exact role of VEGF in the interplay between periodontitis and psoriasis remains to be explored.