Diagnostic value of pleural fluid angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) levels, to differentiate malignant pleural effusions from benign pleural effusions

Abstract

Angiopoietins plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, and increased vascular permeability which are the main steps in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE), In our study, we examined the diagnostic value of pleural fluid Angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) levels in malignant pleural effusion and nonmalignant pleural effusions. Sixty six patients, 13 with transudative, 28 with benign exudative and 25 with malignant exudative pleural effusions (12 proven with PF cytology or pleural biopsy findings, 13 paramalignant (known malignancy and alternative diagnoses were excluded) were included the study. Pleural fluid Ang-2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Kit (RayBiotech, New York, USA). Pleural fluid Ang-2 levels were higher (p 0,05) (Table 2) In terms of Ang-2 levels, no statistically significant difference was found between paramalignant effusions and malignant effusions proven with pleural fluid cytology or pleural biopsy findings (p>0,05) (Table 3). Pleural fluid Ang-2 levels were found insufficient to make distinction between malignant or benign pleural effusions.