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

•Characterize the change in serum VEGF in chronic ketamine abusers.•This study recruited a relatively large sample of chronic ketamine abusers.•This study showed the decrease of the serum VEGF in the chronic ketamine abusers.

AimsTo evaluate the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a group of chronic ketamine abusers in comparison to healthy controls.MethodsEighty-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).ResultsSerum level of VEGF was significantly lower in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls (64.6 ± 42.1 vs. 92.4 ± 59.4 pg/ml, F = 7.243, p = 0.008).ConclusionsSerum level of VEGF decreased in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls.