Serum Concentrations Of Growth Factors Research Articles

Assessment of the serum concentration of growth factors and the informativeness of ultrasonography in studying the structural conditions of the osteoarticular system in children with type III osteogenesis imperfecta

BACKGROUND:The treatment of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta requires dynamic monitoring of the structural state and metabolism of the long bones. In the available literature, practically no data are available on the use of ultrasonography to assess the skeletal system in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. Increased expression of the members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily in the serum has been described in several congenital bone diseases; however, this has not yet been examined in children with type III osteogenesis imperfecta.
 AIM:To examine the serum concentrations of growth factors in children with type III osteogenesis imperfecta relative to healthy children and evaluate the informativeness of ultrasonography for assessing the state of the osteoarticular system in type III osteogenesis imperfecta and justify the feasibility of its use in this pathology.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children aged 3–7 years with type III osteogenesis imperfecta (n= 12) were examined. In the blood serum, bone-mineral metabolism parameters were determined onaHitachi/BM 902 analyzer (Japan), and the contents of growth factors and their receptors were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay onaThermo Fisher Scientific analyzer (USA). Ultrasound examinations were performed usinganAVISUS Hitachi device (Japan). Statistical processing was carried out using the Attestat program (I.P. Gaidyshev). Quantitative data are presented as medians and quartiles (Me [Q1; Q3]) for samples with non-normal distribution. In cases with normal distribution, quantitative data are presented as M ± σ,p 0.05.
 RESULTS: In patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, the degree of bone tissue mineralization and bone turnover rates were higher and the collagen content was lower than those of their healthy peers. Fibroblast growth factor-basic underwent the greatest changes; a decrease in the content of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-R3 receptor was accompanied by multiple increases in VEGF and VEGF-R2. Ultrasonography identified areas of deformation and multiple fractures in the area of the diaphyses and metaphyses of the femur, tibia, hip, and knee joints.
 CONCLUSIONS:Predominance was noted toward the production of growth factors responsible for the activation of osteoclastogenesis. The content of growth factors responsible for osteoclast inhibition and osteoblast activation is normal or slightly changed. Ultrasonography has demonstrated high informativeness inadetailed assessment of the osteoarticular system in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, which allows us to recommend this noninvasive technique for wider use in this disease.

Commentary: Transforming growth factor serum concentrations in patients with proven non-syndromic aortopathy.

Commentary: Transforming growth factor serum concentrations in patients with proven non-syndromic aortopathy.

Serum from Patients with Severe Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Human Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells.

Liver cirrhosis has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and clinical complications following percutaneous coronary revascularization. The present study is based on the hypothesis that cirrhosis may influence intimal hyperplasia following PCI. Sera from 10 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and 10 age-matched healthy controls were used to stimulate cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) for 48 h. HCASMC proliferation, migration, gene expression and apoptosis were investigated. Serum concentrations of growth factors and markers of liver function were also determined in patients and healthy controls. Treatment of HCASMC with patient sera reduced cell proliferation and migration (p < 0.05 vs. healthy controls), whereas apoptosis was unaffected (p = 0.160). Expression of genes associated with a synthetic vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype was decreased in cells stimulated with serum from cirrhotic patients (RBP1, p = 0.001; SPP1, p = 0.003; KLF4, p = 0.004). Platelet-derived growth factor-BB serum concentrations were lower in patients (p = 0.001 vs. controls). The results suggest the presence of circulating factors in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis affecting coronary smooth muscle cell growth. These findings may have implications for clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary revascularization in these patients.

Quantile-specific heritability of serum growth factor concentrations

Background “Quantile-dependent expressivity” occurs when the effect size of a genetic variant depends upon whether the phenotype (e.g. growth factor concentration) is high or low relative to its distribution. Methods Quantile-regression analysis was applied to family sets from the Framingham Heart Study to determine whether the heritability (h2 ) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), angiopoietin-2, and angiopoietin-2 (sTie-2) and VEGFR1 (sFlt-1) receptor concentrations were quantile-specific. Results Quantile-specific h2 (±SE) increased with increasing percentiles of the age- and sex-adjusted VEGF (P trend<10−16), HGF (P trend=0.0004), angiopoietin-2 (P trend=0.0002), sTie-2 (P trend=1.2 × 10−5), and sFlt-1 distributions (P trend=0.04). Conclusion Heritabilities of VEGF, HGF, angiopoitein-2, sTie-2 and sFlt-1 concentrations are quantile dependent. This may explain reported interactions of genetic loci (rs10738760, rs9472159, rs833061, rs3025039, rs2280789, rs1570360, rs2010963) with metabolic syndrome, diet, recurrent miscarriage, hepatocellular carcinoma, erysipelas, diabetic retinopathy, and bevacizumab treatment in their effect on VEGF concentrations.

The Specific Judo Training Program Combined With the Whole Body Cryostimulation Induced an Increase of Serum Concentrations of Growth Factors and Changes in Amino Acid Profile in Professional Judokas.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a specific training program, supported by 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation, on growth factors concentrations, amino acids profile and motor abilities in professional judokas. Ultimately, twelve athletes took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to the cryostimulation group (CRY, n = 6) or the control group (CON, n = 6). During 2 weeks of the judo training program, the CRY group performed 10 cryo-sessions (3-min, at a temperature of −110°C) and the CON group rested passively. Anthropometric measurements, a strength test, the Special Judo Efficiency Test (SJET) were assessed 2 days before and after the judo training program. Blood samples were collected at rest, 1 h after the first and the second SJET and 1 h after the first and the last cryo-session to establish growth factors and amino acid concentrations. Lactate level was measured before, immediately after and 1 h after the first and the second SJET. The applied intervention resulted in a significant increase of resting concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (from 10.23 ± 1.61 to 15.13 ± 2.93 ng⋅ml–1; p = 0.01) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1; from 174.29 ± 49.34 to 300.50 ± 43.80 pg⋅ml–1; p = 0.00) in the CRY group. A different response was registered 1 h directly post SJET in the CRY group (a significant increase of IGF-1, interleukin 15 and irisin: p = 0.01; p = 0.00; p = 0.03). Additionally, the significant drop of proline and leucine concentrations in the CRY group was obtained. Athletes’ performance remained unchanged in both groups. However, subjects perceived positive changes induced by the intervention – not directly after cryostimulation but in response to the specific training workload. The increase of growth factors concentrations and the improvement of amino acid profile (proline and leucine) contributed to maintaining a high level of muscle function.

PDGF-BB serum levels are decreased in adult onset Pompe patients

Adult onset Pompe disease is a genetic disorder characterized by slowly progressive skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness. Symptomatic patients are treated with enzymatic replacement therapy with human recombinant alfa glucosidase. Motor functional tests and spirometry are commonly used to follow patients up. However, a serological biomarker that correlates with the progression of the disease could improve follow-up. We studied serum concentrations of TGFβ, PDGF-BB, PDGF-AA and CTGF growth factors in 37 adult onset Pompe patients and 45 controls. Moreover, all patients performed several muscle function tests, conventional spirometry, and quantitative muscle MRI using 3-point Dixon. We observed a statistically significant change in the serum concentration of each growth factor in patients compared to controls. However, only PDGF-BB levels were able to differentiate between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, suggesting its potential role in the follow-up of asymptomatic patients. Moreover, our results point to a dysregulation of muscle regeneration as an additional pathomechanism of Pompe disease.

Circulating Vascular Growth Factors and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Markers of Small Vessel Disease and Atrophy in Middle-Aged Adults.

Background and Purpose- Little is known about associations between vascular growth factors and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers in midlife. We investigated the association of serum VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), Ang2 (angiopoietin 2), sTie2 (soluble tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and EGF-like domains 2), and HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) concentrations with MRI markers of brain aging in middle-aged adults. Methods- We evaluated 1853 participants (mean age, 46±9 years; 46% men) from the Framingham Heart Study. Serum growth factor concentrations were measured using standardized immunoassays. Outcomes included total brain, cortical and subcortical gray matter, white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, and white matter hyperintensity volumes derived from MRI; as well as fractional anisotropy in white matter tracts from diffusion tensor imaging. We related VEGF, Ang2, sTie2, and HGF to MRI measures using multivariable regression models adjusting for vascular risk factors. We tested for interactions with APOE (apolipoprotein E) genotype and CRP (C-reactive protein). Results were corrected for multiple comparisons. Results- Higher sTie2 was associated with smaller total brain (estimate by SD unit±SE=-0.08±0.02, P=0.002) and larger white matter hyperintensity (0.08±0.02, P=0.002) volumes. Furthermore, higher Ang2 (0.06±0.02, P=0.049) and HGF (0.09±0.02, P=0.001) were associated with larger cerebrospinal fluid volumes. Finally, higher Ang2 was associated with decreased fractional anisotropy, in APOE-ε4 carriers only. Conclusions- Vascular growth factors are associated with early MRI markers of small vessel disease and neurodegeneration in middle-aged adults.

Angiogenesis in Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Angiogenesis is a multistep process controlled by a number of stimulating and inhibiting factors. Aberrant angiogenesis is involved in cancer progression. The best-known elements responsible for regulation of angiogenesis are vascular endothelial growth factor, their membrane-bound receptors, and circulating, soluble receptors. The major objective of the present review is twofold: firstly, it seeks to explore knowledge about angiogenesis in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and secondly it indicates the necessity and relevance of carrying out further research dedicated to this process. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a proliferative disease of the lymphatic system. The process of angiogenesis in Hodgkin’s lymphoma has not been studied thoroughly. There is a significant role of paracrine interactions of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells with reactive cells of the immune system, which makes studying the mechanisms of development of Hodgkin’s lymphoma more difficult. It has been proven that several angiogenesis-stimulating proteins are expressed in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells both in vitro and in tumour tissue. Moreover, some of these proteins are produced by the reactive cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and hepatic growth factor serum concentrations are elevated in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The role of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma has not been thoroughly explained. Similarly, there are no satisfying data on the modulation of the angiogenic potential of the blood caused by vascular endothelial growth factor soluble receptors in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Processes controlling angiogenesis in Hodgkin’s lymphoma merit more comprehensive investigation.

Serum Concentration of Growth Factors in Dogs under Different Conditions of Distraction Osteogenesis.

Concentrations of insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2), stem cell factor (SCF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were measured in the blood serum of dogs subjected to experimental lengthening of shin bones. In animals subjected to shin bone lengthening at a rate of 1 mm/day in 4 steps, the concentrations of SCF and TGF-β1 significantly increased in the middle of distraction and IGF-1 concentration increased by the end of distraction. In animals subjected to lengthening at a rate of 1.5 mm/day in 6 steps, the levels of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 significantly increased in the middle of distraction and the concentration of IGF-2 at the end of distraction. In animals subjected to lengthening at a rate of 3 mm/day in 120 steps, the concentrations of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 significantly decreased in the middle of distraction and concentrations of IGF-1, VEGF, and TGF-β1 increased by the end of distraction.

Significance of hepatocyte growth factor concentrations in serum of patients with liver cirrhosis and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Egypt has the highest prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide with the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)–cMET axis promotes cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum HGF as a noninvasive biomarker in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and HCC. This study included 80 individuals. They were divided into three groups: group 1 included 20 healthy volunteers as a control group, group 2 included 30 patients with liver cirrhosis, and group 3 included 30 patients with HCC. HGF was highly significantly elevated in the HCC group (median 3709 pg/ml) and the cirrhotic group (median 2843.5 pg/ml) compared with the control group (median 913 pg/ml). α-Fetoprotein (AFP) was highly significantly elevated in the HCC group (median 128.5 ng/ml) than both the cirrhotic (median 4.9 ng/ml) and the control (median 3.15 ng/ml) group. Results of aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, APRI, fibroindex, and model 3 in the cirrhotic group were highly significantly different from those in the control group. We found a positive significant correlation between HGF and AFP for all the participants studied. There were direct correlations between HGF and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI), fibroindex, and model 3. The sensitivity and specificity of HGF for selective detection of the HCC group over the non-HCC group (HCV group and healthy control group) were 93.3 and 46%, respectively, at a cut-off value of 1415 pg/ml, whereas that of AFP were 100 and 92%, respectively, at a cut-off value of 10 ng/ml, and area under the curve of HGF and AFP were 0.787 and 0.999, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of both AFP and HGF together were 100 and 66%, respectively, at the same cut-off values. The odds ratio of occurrence of HCC in patients with elevated HGF levels was 11.926 and 95% confidence interval 2.56–55.55. We conclude from this study that both HGF and AFP can be used as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of HCC in HCV cirrhotic patients, especially if their values match the cut-off levels detected in our study.

Evaluation of chemokines CXCL8 and CCL2, serotonin, and vascular endothelial growth factor serum concentrations in healthy dogs from seven breeds with variable predisposition for canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The West Highland white terrier (WHWT) is particularly prone to canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF). We hypothesized that higher circulating concentrations of chemokines CXCL8, CCL2, serotonin (5-HT), or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could serve as predisposing factors for CIPF development in the WHWT breed. Serum samples from 103 healthy dogs of seven different breeds variably predisposed to CIPF were collected. Serum CXCL8 concentrations were higher in healthy WHWT compared with each of the other groups of healthy dogs. Serum CCL2 concentrations were higher in healthy WHWT and Maltese compared with King Charles spaniels and Malinois Belgian shepherds. No relevant inter-breed differences were observed for serum 5-HT concentrations regarding CIPF predisposition. VEGF values from 89.3% of samples tested were below the kit detection limit. In conclusion, high CXCL8 blood concentrations and possibly CCL2 concentrations might be related to the breed predisposition of the WHWT for CIPF and warrants further investigations.

Exposure to Nerve Growth Factor Worsens Nephrotoxic Effect Induced by Cyclosporine A in HK-2 Cells

Nerve growth factor is a neurotrophin that promotes cell growth, differentiation, survival and death through two different receptors: TrkANTR and p75NTR. Nerve growth factor serum concentrations increase during many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, glomerulonephritis, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease and, particularly, in renal transplant. Considering that nerve growth factor exerts beneficial effects in the treatment of major central and peripheral neurodegenerative diseases, skin and corneal ulcers, we asked whether nerve growth factor could also exert a role in Cyclosporine A-induced graft nephrotoxicity. Our hypothesis was raised from basic evidence indicating that Cyclosporine A-inhibition of calcineurin-NFAT pathway increases nerve growth factor expression levels. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of nerve growth factor and its receptors in the damage exerted by Cyclosporine A in tubular renal cells, HK-2. Our results showed that in HK-2 cells combined treatment with Cyclosporine A + nerve growth factor induced a significant reduction in cell vitality concomitant with a down-regulation of Cyclin D1 and up-regulation of p21 levels respect to cells treated with Cyclosporine A alone. Moreover functional experiments showed that the co-treatment significantly up-regulated human p21promoter activity by involvement of the Sp1 transcription factor, whose nuclear content was negatively regulated by activated NFATc1. In addition we observed that the combined exposure to Cyclosporine A + nerve growth factor promoted an up-regulation of p75 NTR and its target genes, p53 and BAD leading to the activation of intrinsic apoptosis. Finally, the chemical inhibition of p75NTR down-regulated the intrinsic apoptotic signal. We describe two new mechanisms by which nerve growth factor promotes growth arrest and apoptosis in tubular renal cells exposed to Cyclosporine A.

Relationships between Pork Quality Traits and Growth Factor Concentrations in Serum and Longissimus dorsi Muscle before and at Slaughter in Female Market Pigs

The present study was conducted to test a hypothesis that pork quality traits would be influenced by the systemic and/or local bioavailability of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), transforming growth factor-β 1( TGF-β1), or epidermal growth factor (EGF) before or at slaughter. To this end, 60 cross-bred female market pigs weighing approximately 110 kg were slaughtered, after which Longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) samples taken at slaughter (D 0) and blood samples taken at D -7 and D 0 were analyzed. The 60 carcasses rendered 36 RFN (reddish-pink, firm, and non-exudative), 16 RSE (reddish-pink, soft, and exudative), and 6 PSE (pale, soft, and exudative); 2 DFD (dark, firm, and dry) also were found but were excluded in subsequent experiments. The L* and drip loss were greater in PSE vs. RFN and RSE and in PSE and RSE vs. RFN, respectively, as they should (P<0.05). The pH45min was less in PSE vs. RFN (P<0.05); pH24h tended to be less in the former (P=0.09). The LM IGF-I and TGF-β1 as well as serum EGF concentrations were less in PSE than in RFN. None of the other LM and serum concentrations of the three growth factors differed across the three pork quality categories. The LM IGF-I and TGF-β1 concentrations and serum EGF concentration at D 0 were negatively correlated with drip loss (r =-0.36(P<0.01), -0.44 (P<0.01), and -0.32 (P<0.05), respectively). However, none of the serum and LM growth factor variables was correlated with L* or a* (redness) of LM. Taken together, results suggest that locally expressed IGF-I and TGF-β1 and blood-borne EGF may have a beneficial effect on postmortem water holding capacity of the muscle and that pork quality traits could be predicted to some extent from concentrations of IGF-I and TGF-β1 in muscle and EGF in serum at slaughter.

Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in serum of patients with extensive slow-flow vascular malformations: reply from authors

Conflicts of interest: none declared. Madam, We thank Dr Ferrero for her interest in our article.1 As Dr Ferrero points out, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration is higher in serum than in plasma, due to platelet degranulation, and conditions for serum processing should be standardized. Our observed differences between patients and controls cannot be attributed to the processing of the samples because the same protocol was followed for serum collection in every patient according to well‐standardized procedures in our laboratory.2, 3 The main point of our findings is that several angiogenic factors and endothelial damage/dysfunction markers are elevated in the circulation of selected patients with extensive slow‐flow vascular malformations, probably playing a pathophysiological role. The observed high plasma levels of angiopoietin‐2, TIE‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in the series analysed suggest that these molecules may have a role in the pathogenesis of some vascular malformations. We showed endothelial damage/dysfunction associated with vascular malformations, and proposed that endothelial proliferation as a means of effecting endothelial repair may be a mechanism for attempting to preserve endothelial homeostasis. The results of VEGF measurement are not specially important and we hardly made reference to them in our discussion.

Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in serum of patients with extensive slow-flow vascular malformations

Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in serum of patients with extensive slow-flow vascular malformations

Inflammatory changes of the gastric mucosa and serum concentration of chosen growth factors in children

To assess whether there is a correlation between the severity of gastritis and concentration of chosen growth factors in the serum of children infected with H. pylori. The study included 64 children of whom 50% (Group I) were infected with H. pylori and had gastritis; 18.7% (Group II) of the examined children had a positive titre of IgG against H. pylori and normal gastric mucosa. Controls (Group III) comprised 31.3%. The gastric mucosa was evaluated histopathologically according to the Sydney System. The serum concentrations of growth factors: EGF, TGF-alpha, VEGF, were determined using ELISA. Mean concentrations of the growth factors were also the highest in Group I compared to Group II and Group III (EGF - 137.3+/-10.4 pg/mL, TGF-alpha - 0.4+/-1.2 pg/mL, VEGF - 146.8 pg/mL). Analysis of correlations between growth factors and the severity of gastritis as well as the activity of antral gastric mucosa inflammation proved that mean EGF concentration in H. pylori infected children was the highest (149.5+/-84.8 pg/mL) in severe gastritis, whereas mean concentrations of TGF-alpha (2.0+/-4.3 pg/mL) and of VEGF (148.1+/-92.6 pg/mL) were the highest in moderate gastritis. Mean concentrations of EGF (155.1+/-116.4 pg/mL) and of VEGF (156.0+/-118.9 pg/mL) were the highest in high activity antral gastritis, whereas the mean concentration of TGF-alpha was the highest (2.0+/-4.2 pg/ml) in moderate activity gastritis. In the children with H. pylori infection, serum concentrations of EGF, TGF-alpha, VEGF were the highest in moderate and severe antral gastritis.

Cyclical haemopoiesis in association with familial refractory anaemia: cycling of progenitors and serum growth factor concentrations

Cyclical haemopoiesis in association with familial refractory anaemia: cycling of progenitors and serum growth factor concentrations

Nerve growth factor serum concentrations rise after successful cognitive–behavioural therapy of generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic stress disease with permanent physical tension and cognitive strain. Raised nerve growth factor (NGF) serum levels were reported as an acute stress reaction in soldiers before their first parachute jump even before the rise in cortisol. Taking GAD as a clinical model of chronic stress, we measured NGF in the serum of 22 patients with GAD before and after cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and compared them to those of healthy normal controls. Treatment response was tested by the values of the State and Trait of Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) as treatment outcome variables. The NGF values of patients and controls were similar at baseline ( p = 0.8941); however, with successful treatment, corresponding to a mean reduction in the HAM-A by more than 50% and a reduction in the clinical global impression scale (CGI) median from 4 to 1, the patients' NGF serum concentrations rose significantly ( p = 0.0006) which might correspond to an altered stress reaction, possibly contributing to good therapeutic response with CBT. There were 3 patients with a HAM-A decrease of less than 15%. In those patients NGF rose only marginally. Hence, the increase in serum NGF seems to indicate good treatment response.

Vascular endothelial growth factor serum concentrations in hypercholesterolemic patients

Objective. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes normal and pathological angiogenesis. VEGF is a chemotactic factor for macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, and induces synthesis of metalloproteinases and adhesion molecules. VEGF expression is regulated by hypoxia, cytokines, oncogenes, and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between levels of lipid parameters and VEGF, to investigate whether pravastatin treatment influences VEGF serum concentrations, and to examine the relationship between VEGF and the variations in post‐treatment lipid and inflammatory parameters. Material and methods. Eighteen patients aged 48±6.8 years with total cholesterol (TC) >6.1 mmol/L comprised the hypercholesterolemic group. The controls included 12 individuals aged 50±7.4 years with TC <5.1 mmol/L. TC, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), triglycerides, LDLC, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and VEGF were determined in both groups at baseline, and in the hypercholesterolemic group after 4 months of treatment with 20 mg/day pravastatin. Results. A significant correlation was observed between concentrations of VEGF and TC, LDLC and TG, and a significant difference in VEGF concentration was observed between the control group (mean 142 ng/L) and the hypercholesterolemic group (mean 272.9 ng/L). A significant decrease was observed in TC (14.7 %), LDLC (21.5 %), CRP (22.7 %), and VEGF (14.8 %) after 4 months of treatment with pravastatin. Conclusions. A relationship was found between serum levels of VEGF and most atherogenic lipoproteins. In patients with hypercholesterolemia treated with pravastatin, a reduction in VEGF and CRP was seen in addition to lipid decreases.

Effects of sow nutrition on maternal and foetal serum growth factors and on foetal myogenesis

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of increased maternal nutrition in early to mid gestation on changes in serum growth factors of the sow and foetuses. Furthermore, the effect of the foetal sera on in vitro proliferation and differentiation of porcine primary myoblasts was examined. Pregnant sows were either given food either in accordance to requirements (2 kg/day; C) until day 50 or 70 of gestation or given food in accordance to requirements until day 25 and then ad libitum (A) until day 50 or 70. Sows were slaughtered at the Institute's veterinary controlled slaughterhouse at day 50 or 70, respectively. Serum from sows and pools of cord-blood serum from each litter were analysed for glucose, lactate, insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF; IGF-1 and -2) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGF-1 (P &lt; 0·001) was higher in A compared with C sows, and a 28-kDa IGFBP (P &lt; 0·05) and a 24-kDa IGFBP (P &lt; 0·05) was higher in serum from day 70 compared with day 50 sows. There was no significant effect of food intake on growth factor concentrations in foetal serum or on serum-induced proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. A 28 kDa IGFBP, IGFBP-2 and -3 were all higher (P &lt; 0·06) and serum-induced proliferation (P &lt; 0·001) and differentiation (P &lt; 0·1) lower at day 70 than day 50. Maternal food intake did not influence the DNA and RNA concentrations and the CPK activity in the foetal longissimus dorsi muscle. The glucose concentration in the liver was higher in C than A foetuses at day 70 of gestation, but not at day 50.In conclusion, no significant effects of maternal nutrition were found on serum growth factor concentrations in the foetuses or on serum-induced proliferation and differentiation of primary myoblasts.