Changes in vascular endothelial growth factor level in <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>-associated gastroduodenal diseases

Abstract

A populational infection with Helicobacter (H.) pylori poses a global problem. Mucosal colonization of H. pylori in the gastroduodenal area can initiate development multiple diseases with hyper- or hypoplasia of mucosal epithelial cells secreting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The aim of the study was to assess VEGF serum level, its diagnostic and prognostic value in diseases affecting the gastroduodenal area. Materials and methods. 180 patients with exacerbated chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer as well as 30 healthy volunteers were examined after providing an informed consent. Patients were divided into groups depending on the degree of mucous contamination with H. pylori. In the subjects examined during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a biological material was collected during targeted biopsy for microscopic and histological studies. Blood samples for immunological examination were obtained in the morning on an empty stomach from the ulnar vein in the volume of 5 ml, and the serum was isolated by centrifugation. The level of VEGF, pepsinogens, and titer of total antibodies against the H. pylori cytotoxin-associated protein were determined in the blood serum from the subjects by using the enzyme immunoassay method. The long-term prognosis was analyzed for up to 2 years. The data obtained were processed statistically. Results. Patients were found to have excessive serum VEGF levels in healthy volunteers. For gastric ulcer associated with H. pylori, 80% of cases had increased discriminatory VEGF level. In patients, direct relationships between the serum VEGF level and degree, stage of gastritis, the degree of contamination with H. pylori, the serum pepsinogens level were uncovered. Regression analysis found that patients with diseases targeting gastroduodenal area had serum VEGF level equal to or greater than 231 pg/ml in 60% of cases that correctly predicted an increase in mucosal atrophy. If the amount of VEGF ≥ 373 pg/ml in 91.5% of cases, then ulceration of gastric epithelium developed, whereas for ≥ 396 pg/ml level it was observed in 89% cases with ulceration of the intestinal epithelium. The probability of gastroduodenal bleeding at a serum VEGF level of 408 pg/ml or higher was predicted correctly in 96% of cases. Conclusion. More than 54% of patients with H. pylori-associated chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease had level of VEGF significantly exceeding magnitude found in healthy volunteers and the discriminatory level reflects the morphofunctional state of the stomach and duodenum. Assessing serum VEGF level in gastroduodenal diseases can be recommended for predicting development of atrophy, ulceration of the gastric and intestinal epithelium, and gastroduodenal bleeding.