| Objective To investigate the changes in serum Dickkopf-1 protein (DKK-1), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and interleukin-17 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and their relationship with patients' condition. Methods We selected 40 patients with AS attended our hospital from February 2016 to September 2017 (AS group) and 40 healthy subjects (healthy group). Serum DKK-1, VEGF-A, IL-17, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were detected in the two groups. The relationship of serum DKK-1, VEGF-A and IL-17 with ESR, CRP, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) in AS patients were evaluated. Results The levels of serum DKK-1, VEGF-A and IL-17 in the AS group were significantly higher than those in the healthy group (P<0.05). The ESR and serum CRP levels in the AS group were significantly higher than those in the healthy group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The BASDAI of the AS group was 52.91±10.62, and the BASFI was 55.81±9.70; the serum DKK-1 and IL-17 levels in AS patients had a significant positive correlation with ESR, serum CRP level, BASDAI score and BASFI score (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between serum VEGF-A level and ESR, serum CRP level, BASDAI score and BASFI score (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum DKK-1, VEGF-A and IL-17 in AS patients were significantly higher than those in healthy people. Serum DKK-1 and IL-17 levels also reflected the degree of disease activity. |