ObjectiveBehcet’s Disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder of unclear etiology. Vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis may be in part responsible for the pathogenesis of BD. The aim of the present study was to assess Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) concentrations as a recent angiogenic mediator in plasma of BD patients and to analyze its association with disease clinical features, laboratory parameters as well as disease activity.Patients and MethodsThe present study included 47 BD patients fulfilling the International Study Group criteria for the diagnosis of BD and 30 age and gender matched healthy controls. Demographic, clinical and serological data were prospectively assessed. Activity and severity of BD were also assessed. Plasma Ang-1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe mean plasma level of Ang-1 in BD patients was significantly lower than healthy controls (p=0.005). Mean plasma Ang-1 level in patients with vascular affection was significantly lower than those without vascular affection (p=0.045). The mean plasma Ang-1 level was significantly higher in patients with CNS than those without (p=0.040). There was no significant association between plasma Ang-1 levels and other clinical manifestations nor disease activity or severity. Patients who received cyclophosphamide showed a significant increase in plasma Ang-1 level than those who didn’t receive it (p=0.049).ConclusionPlasma Ang-1 levels were diminished in our BD patients especially in patients with vascular involvement. Larger studies with further investigations of the precise role of Ang-1 in the pathogenesis of BD are needed and might lead to novel therapies for the clinical management of BD.