Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels In Patients Research Articles

Serum Concentration of VEGF and PDGF-AA in Patients with Active Thyroid Orbitopathy before and after Immunosuppressive Therapy

Thyroid orbitopathy (TO) is the most frequent extrathyroid manifestation of Graves' disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Plated-Derived Growth Factor-AA (PDGF-AA) in the blood of patients with active OT before and after immunosuppressive therapy. The study was performed in group of 39 patients with clinically active TO (Group A) in euthyroid (n=18, Group A I) and hyperthyroid (n=21, Group A II) stage of Graves' disease in moderate or severe stage of TO. Control group consist of 20 healthy age-matched control subjects. Concentration of studied proangiogenic factors in serum samples were measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before (group A) and after (group A1) intensive pulse methylprednisolone treatment and one month after the end of additional oral methylprednisolone treatment (Group A2). We have found significant increased serum levels of VEGF in patients with TO (reg-ardless to treatment) when compared with control group (542.4±328.1 pg/ml vs. 94.6±55.3 pg/ml, p=0.0002) and increased serum levels of -PDGF-AA in patients before treatment (3 173.6±1 480.3 pg/ml) in comparison with controls (1 768.9±520.0 pg/ml) and patients after intensive pulse methyloprednisolone treatment (2 325.9±1 456.8 pg/ml). One month after the end of additional oral methylprednisolone treatment (Group A2) concentration of PDGF-AA still decreased and were was not significant difference with value in control group (1 853.1±795.4 vs. 1 769.9±520.0 pg/ml, p=0.99). Serum concentration of VEGF was still significantly higher compared with control. We have not observed difference in serum concentration of studied proangiogenic factors between patients in euthyroid or hyperthyroid stage of Graves' disease. RESULTS of the present study confirm the fact that angiogenesis could play a role in pathogenesis of thyroid orbitopathy.

NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR PROGNOSIS OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS COMPLICATIONS AND ASSESS OF TREATMENT EFFICIENCY

Aim. To study the level and dynamics of changes in blood plasma VEGF and desquamated endotheliocytes (DEC) in patients with severe course of acute pancreatitis both complicated and uncomplicated. Materials and methods. Vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) and quantity of desquamated endotheliocytes (DEC) were investigated in dynamics in 33 patients with severe acute pancreatitis. These investigations were performed during the first 10 days from the onset of disease and later with the interval of 5–7 days. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included patients without pyo-septic complications ( n =13), group 2 – patients with pyo-septic complications ( n =20). Results. No reliable differences in DEC number between the groups of patients and between the investigations were revealed. VEGF level in patients with acute pancreatitis is significantly higher than in healthy persons ( p <0,01). Reverse correlation between sepsis severity and blood plasma VEGF level in patients of group 2 was detected (Spirmen method r =–0,38, 95% Ci –0,124 and –0,584, p =0,003). Conclusion. Decease in blood plasma VEGF level or absence of its growth demonstrates aggravation of sepsis and unfavorable prognostic significance.

Serum EPO and VEGF levels in patients with sleep-disordered breathing and acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundA high level of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) may be associated with a smaller infarct size determined by the release of necrosis markers. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, protective effects of SDB have also been described. The potential role of increased levels of EPO and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is suggested in this process. The study aimed to explore the EPO and VEGF serum levels in SDB and non-SDB patients during the acute phase of myocardial infarction.MethodsThirty-seven patients undergoing successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the acute myocardial infarction have been examined for the levels of EPO, VEGF, and troponin I (Tn). In the following, patients had an overnight polysomnography to determine breathing disturbances during sleep.ResultsBoth on admission day (day 1) and day 3 of hospitalization, EPO levels showed statistically significant differences in both SDB-positive and SDB-negative patient groups (p = 0.003 and p = 0.018, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in VEGF levels. No correlation was found between the EPO and Tn levels.ConclusionsSDB patients tend to have higher levels of EPO during acute myocardial infarction. No statistically significant differences in VEGF levels were observed.

Elevated Serum Endostatin Levels are Associated with Poor Survival in Patients with Advanced-stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

AimsTo evaluate the prognostic value of serum endostatin levels in patients with advanced-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and methodsBetween August 2003 and March 2005, 218 patients with advanced-stage NPC were enrolled in this study, including 70 patients in the training cohort and 148 in the validation cohort. The pre-treatment serum endostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were measured using competitive enzyme immunoassays. For the normal control, serums samples from 20 healthy individuals were also collected. ResultsSerum endostatin levels in the patients with advanced-stage NPC were significantly higher than those of controls, but VEGF levels were similar in the two groups. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the high and low endostatin level groups regarding 5 year overall survival (63.9% versus 90.5%; P = 0.003), progression-free survival (PFS) (50.2% versus 79.3%; P = 0.003) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (59.1% versus 85.3%; P = 0.01) in the training cohort. Using the same cut-off value generated from the training cohort, there were also significant unfavourable correlations between serum endostatin levels and overall survival (P = 0.001), PFS (P = 0.001) and DMFS (P = 0.002) in the second independent validation cohort. Multivariate analysis using the entire group (n = 218) revealed that the serum endostatin level was an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 4.8; 95% confidence interval 2.48–9.23; P < 0.0001), PFS (hazard ratio 3.44; 95% confidence interval 2.06–5.74; P < 0.0001) and DMFS (hazard ratio 3.65; 95% confidence interval 1.92–6.94; P < 0.0001) in patients with advanced-stage NPC. No associations were observed between the outcomes and the serum VEGF levels in patients with advanced-stage NPC. ConclusionsHigh endostatin levels are associated with poor survival and this knowledge may improve the risk stratification of patients with advanced-stage NPC.

血清VEGF（Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor）による腎細胞癌術後再発の予測

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known as one of the key molecules in molecular targeting therapy for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Several studies have shown that VEGF might be useful for predicting prognosis in RCC. We examined whether pretreatment serum VEGF can be used as a predictor of recurrence-free survival in non-metastatic RCC. We studied 85 patients with non-metastatic clear cell RCC who underwent nephrectomy between 2001 and 2010. Serum samples were collected for VEGF before operation. We evaluated the recurrence-free survival by univariate and multivariate analysis. 9 patients (10.6%) showed recurrence. Serum level of VEGF in patients with recurrence showed significantly higher than those in patients without recurrence (p = 0.0310). A cutoff level of 416 pg/mL for the separation of low and high serum VEGF levels was established based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The recurrence-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a high serum VEGF level (p = 0.0039). Multivariate analysis showed that pretreatment serum VEGF value was a significant predictor of postoperative recurrence in non-metastatic clear cell RCC (p = 0.0062). Pretreatment level of serum VEGF might be useful for prediction of postoperative recurrence in non-metastatic clear cell RCC.

Comparative study between VEGF-A and CA-125 in diagnosis and follow-up of advanced endometriosis after conservative laparoscopic surgery

To evaluate the role of serum level of VEGF-A in comparison to CA-125 in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with advanced endometriosis after conservative laparoscopic surgery. A prospective randomized case-control study was performed on patients referred for laparoscopy complaining of unexplained primary infertility with or without chronic pelvic pain. Thirty patients with advanced endometriosis; stage III-IV were included (study group), another 30 women without endometriosis or any other medical conditions were settled as a control group. Pre-operative blood samples were collected from study and control cases. Post-operative blood samples were collected from 25 treated patients in the follicular phase of the third menstrual cycle; 5 cases were drop-outs. Serum level of cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) were assayed by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. There was a statistically significant difference in serum CA-125 and VEGF-A level in patients with advanced endometriosis before conservative laparoscopic surgery and those without endometriosis (p < 0.001) and after conservative laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.001). High sensitivity (93.3 %), specificity (96.7 %) and accuracy (95.0 %) of VEGF-A assay than in CA-125 distinguishing between patients with endometriosis from those without endometriosis; CA-125 has 70.0 %sensitivity, 90.0 % specificity and 85.0 % accuracy. Percentage of decrease of VEGF-A level after operation was higher than that of CA-125 (45.9 vs. 25.8 %) p < 0.001, respectively. The use of VEGF-A for diagnosis of advanced endometriosis at cut-off 680 pg/ml and for follow-up is better than CA-125.

Impact of VEGF polymorphisms on the severity of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients

Objective. To determine the potential genotype vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene differences in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which might be associated with different stages of the vascular disease. Methods. A study was conducted with type 2 diabetic patients with PAD [n = 70; 32 intermittent claudication and 38 critical limb ischaemia (CLI)]. Genotyping of the VEGF gene insertion/deletion − 2549, − 2578 C/A and +405 G/C polymorphisms was done in both groups and correlated them with the severity of PAD. We compared serum VEGF levels in both groups. Results. There was a higher frequency of +405 CC and − 2578 CC genotypes in claudication group [(31.3% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.01) and (37.5% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.05), respectively]. The presence of +405 GG and − 2578 AA genotypes was more common among CLI patients [(57.8% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.01) and (42.1% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.05), respectively]. There were higher serum VEGF levels in patients with CLI (p = 0.029). Conclusions. We found preliminary evidence regarding the association between VEGF polymorphisms and different stages of PAD in diabetic patients.

1068 VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR EXPRESSION IN SCHISTOSOMIASIS-ASSOCIATED BLADDER CANCER, CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND SCHISTOSOMIASIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyBladder Cancer: Basic Research III1 Apr 20121068 VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR EXPRESSION IN SCHISTOSOMIASIS-ASSOCIATED BLADDER CANCER, CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND SCHISTOSOMIASIS Hosni Khairy Salem, Hala Ragab, and Nabila Abd El Maksoud Hosni Khairy SalemHosni Khairy Salem Cairo, Egypt More articles by this author , Hala RagabHala Ragab Cairo, Egypt More articles by this author , and Nabila Abd El MaksoudNabila Abd El Maksoud Cairo, Egypt More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.1174AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Vascular Endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a principle growth factor mediating angiogenesis. The high expression of VEGF within bladder tumor is associated with poor prognosis. We determined tissue, plasma and urinary levels of VEGF in patients with bladder cancer to study their correlation with classical clinicopathological factors and to assess its potential role in the evaluation of bladder cancer patients METHODS VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the tissue, plasma and urine of 100 bladder cancer patients and in corresponding 40 healthy volunteers. Tumor tissue samples were standardized to the protein content and urine samples were normalized for creatinine content. RESULTS Tissue, plasma and urinary VEGF levels were significantly elevated in bladder cancer patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). The highest VEGF levels were noted in patients with invasive and poorly differentiated bladder cancer compared to those with superficial and well or moderately differentiated individuals followed by healthy controls. Similarly, we detected the same observation in patients with lymph node metastases signifying that VEGF increases with tumor progression. Also, VEGF levels for schistosomal bladder cancer patients were elevated compared to non-scistosomasl ones (although they were insignificantly different) and healthy controls as they correlated significantly together suggesting that schistosomiasis maybe participates in angiogenic switch. VEGF levels were superior to urine cytology and combined sensitivity between them was the highest (100%) when urine cytology combined with plasma or urinary VEGF. Tissue, plasma and urinary VEGF were significantly correlated together implying that the tumor is the source of plasma and urinary VEGF. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that strongly expressed VEGF may be relevant for diagnosis of bladder cancer patients, and it is implicated in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer progression. Quantification of urinary VEGF may provide a novel noninvasive marker for the early detection of bladder cancer as well as therapy target. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e433-e434 Peer Review Report Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Hosni Khairy Salem Cairo, Egypt More articles by this author Hala Ragab Cairo, Egypt More articles by this author Nabila Abd El Maksoud Cairo, Egypt More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor as a predictor of response and survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been recognized as a useful therapeutic modality for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and the therapeutic effect of HAIC and the survival of patients undergoing HAIC. Seventy-one patients with advanced HCC underwent HAIC through a subcutaneously implanted infusion port. One chemotherapy course consisted of low-dose cisplatin (10 mg/body on days 1-5) and 5-fluorouracil (250 mg/body on days 1-5), and 1 treatment cycle consisted of 2-3 courses of chemotherapy. Serum VEGF levels were measured with the Bio-Plex Suspension Array System (Bio-Rad Laboratories). The median survival time (MST) of all patients was 10.2 months, and the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 46.5, 21.9, 12.8, and 3.7%, respectively. Of the 71 patients, 3 achieved a complete response (CR) and 22 achieved a partial response (PR) [response rate (CR + PR/71) = 35%]. The serum VEGF level (≥100 pg/mL, P = 0.026) was an independent predictor of therapeutic effect, and was positively correlated with the platelet count (r = 0.569, P < 0.001) and tumor size (r = 0.543, P < 0.001). Child-Pugh class (P = 0.046), serum VEGF level (P = 0.004), and therapeutic effect (P = 0.005) were identified by multivariate analysis as independent predictors of survival. These results demonstrate that the serum VEGF level in patients with advanced HCC undergoing HAIC is an important predictive factor for therapeutic effect and survival.

Assessment of Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients With ESRD and Its Possible Role in Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are known to have an elevation of a variety of abnormal thrombotic and inflammatory markers associated with high cardiovascular mortality. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is also dysregulated in ESRD but not much is known about the serum levels of VEGF in patients with ESRD. Published reports suggest that elevated levels of VEGF may be protective to the kidney during periods of acute injury and may maintain local glomerular function. Impaired production of VEGF may lead to proteinuria, hypertension, and thrombotic microangiopathy. However, its role in chronic kidney disease or ESRD remains undefined. In our study, we analyzed blood samples of 52 patients with ESRD on stable hemodialysis regimen and measured predialysis serum levels of VEGF and compared these with blood samples obtained from 50 healthy volunteers in order to study differences between baseline levels of VEGF and also attempted to determine its role in ESRD-related cardiovascular mortality.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Malignant and Benign Pericardial Effusion

The pathogenetic role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in malignant pericardial effusion and diagnostic value of pericardial VEGF levels to discriminate malignant from benign pericardial effusions are uncertain. We hypothesized that pericardial VEGF levels would be higher in malignant than benign pericardial effusion and that VEGF would be a useful marker for the diagnosis of malignant pericardial effusion. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we assessed pericardial and serum VEGF levels in patients with malignant pericardial effusion (n = 19), in patients with nonmalignant pericardial effusion (n = 30), and for control, in patients without pericardial disease (n = 26). Vascular endothelial growth factor pericardial levels in malignant pericardial effusion (13 593.8 ± 22 410.24 pg/mL) were significantly higher compared with VEGF in nonmalignant effusion (610.63 ± 1289.08 pg/mL; P = 0.001) and pericardial fluid (5.5 ± 15.97 pg/mL; P < 0.001). In serum, VEGF was significantly higher in patients with nonmalignant pericardial effusion (188.3 ± 240.35 pg/mL) compared with patients with malignant pericardial effusion (67.52 ± 125.77 pg/mL; P = 0.024) and coronary artery disease patients (29.13 ± 76.26 pg/mL; P < 0.001). Pericardial VEGF levels were significantly higher than matched serum levels only in patients with malignant pericardial effusion (P = 0.023). Pericardial VEGF levels ≥2385 pg/mL had 75% sensitivity and 90% specificity for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion in patients with breast or lung cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in pericardial effusion are markedly elevated in patients with malignant pericardial effusion, indicating abundant local release within the pericardial cavity. It is thus possible that VEGF participates in the pathogenesis of malignant pericardial effusion. Measurement of VEGF in pericardial effusion offers potential as a diagnostic tool to discriminate malignant from benign effusions in patients with breast or lung cancer.

Relationship between vitreous and serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels, control of diabetes and microalbuminuria in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy is a serious microvascular disorder of the retina. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, induced by high glucose levels and hypoxia, is a main feature in retinopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitreous and serum VEGF levels and control of diabetes and microalbuminuria in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.MethodsSixty-five patients were enrolled in this case-control study, comprising 30 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (cases) and 35 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (controls). The vitreous VEGF level was compared with the serum VEGF level in both groups. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), microalbuminuria, serum creatinine, and stage of nephropathy and retinopathy were also measured in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and the relationship between these parameters and serum and vitreous VEGF levels was investigated.ResultsMean vitreous and serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in cases compared with controls (P = 0.001, P = 0.011, respectively). There was also a significant correlation between vitreous and serum VEGF levels (P = 0.012, r = 0.453). VEGF levels in patients with well controlled blood glucose (P = 0.039), on drug treatment (P = 0.045) and at an early stage of nephropathy (P = 0.042) were significantly lower. There was a significant correlation between VEGF and albumin to creatinine ratio (P = 0.017, r = 0.432).ConclusionSerum and vitreous VEGF levels was significantly lower in patients on oral therapy, in those with well controlled glycemia, and in those with early-stage retinopathy. Administration of anti-VEGF had a good effect in reducing the progression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Association of psoriasis with the VEGF gene polymorphism in the northern Polish population

Neovascularization plays an important role in pathogenesis of psoriasis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be the main angiogenic factor involved in this disease. Published studies which analysed the role of VEGF gene polymorphism in psoriasis were limited and they received controversial results. Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between -1154 G/A, -460 T/C and +405 G/C polymorphisms and the psoriasis susceptibility and to determine whether this genetic variation influence levels of VEGF protein expression. One hundred and eighty-nine patients with psoriasis and 215 ethnically matched controls were genotyped using ARMS-PCR and PCR-RFLP methods. VEGF serum levels were assessed in 47 patients and 40 controls using ELISA test. We noted that an increased risk of Type I psoriasis is associated with -1154 G allele (OR = 1.9; P = 0.04), +405 CC (OR = 2.86; P = 0.03) and -460 TT (OR = 1.56; P = 0.05) genotypes and demonstrated that a significantly increased risk of developing disease is related to presence of haplotype GTC among all patients (OR = 1.97; P = 0.001), patients with Type I (OR = 1.87; P = 0.005) and Type II psoriasis (OR = 2.37, P = 0.01). We have found significantly increased serum levels of VEGF in patients with psoriasis compared with those in healthy controls (P = 0.008). Serum levels of VEGF significantly correlated with PASI: r = 0.72, P < 0.00001. Patients with elevated levels of VEGF in the serum showed more frequently: GC genotype (P = 0.04), C allele (P = 0.02) at the locus +405 and TT genotype (P = 0.03) at the locus -460. Our results strongly support the role of VEGF gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Elevated serum and tissue VEGF associated with poor outcome in breast cancer patients

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a potent angiogenesis functions in experimental models, although their role in the progression of human breast cancer is unclear. The aim of the current study was to examine the expression pattern of VEGF in serum and tissues of breast cancer patients, examine the tumor vascular characteristic by counting the blood vessels to assess microvessles density (MVD) and conduct correlations between the expressions of growth factor in relation to patient's clinicopathological data and survival. MethodsOne hundred and twenty untreated patients with breast cancer were included in the study and followed for 4 years and 30 females with benign breast lesions matched with age and menstrual state as (control group). In this work we examine serum and tissue expression of VEGF by enzyme linked immune absorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoperoxidase technique respectively. Microvessels density were assessed and correlated with expression of growth factors. ResultsThe mean serum level of VEGF elevated in breast cancer patients before surgery was significantly higher when compared to that in patients with benign breast lesions or in the same patient after surgery. There was positive correlation between serum and tissue VEGF. Serum and tissue vascular endothelial growth factor was strongly associated with grade III tumor, large tumor size, positive lymph node, negative hormone receptor status, +ve HER2 neu and poor survival, the data of the present study showed significant increase in mean serum level of VEGF in patients with positive vascular invasion P: 0.013. ConclusionVEGF appear to play an important role in progression of breast carcinoma and to have significant impact on patient prognosis and can be used to identify a subset of breast cancer at higher risk for development of recurrence and distant metastasis.

Genetics: 49. Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene is Associated with Serum Vegf Level and Disease Activity in RA

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level is associated with disease activity and severity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Polymorphism in the VEGF gene has also been associated with susceptibility to RA, but the relationship of VEGF genetic variants with RA activity and severity measures is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether common VEGF polymorphisms (VEGF-2578/-460/+405/+936) are associated with serum levels of VEGF in patients with RA, and to assess whether these genetic variants are associated with disease activity and/or severity of RA. Methods: Serum levels of VEGF were measured using a fluorescent bead-based assay system in a cohort (n = 410) of consecutively recruited RA patients of Caucasian origin. Genotyping of the four VEGF SNPs in the same patients was carried out using PCR-RFLP methods. RA clinical variables such as IgM RF (+/-), anti-CCP (+/-), ESR, DAS-28, HAQ and serum levels of CRP, MMP-1 and −3 were obtained for each patient. Demographic characteristics were also recorded. Associations were first analyzed using univariate statistics. Thereafter, multivariate multiple regression was applied to assess the independence of associations and to adjust for possible confounding factors. Results: We confirmed in this patient group that serum VEGF level was correlated with various markers such as ESR (r = 0.12, p = 0.015), CRP (r = 0.14, p = 0.004), MMP-1 (r = 0.15, p = 0.003) and MMP-3 (r = 0.13, p = 0.009). It was also strongly associated with disease activity (as measured by DAS-28, p < 0.0001) and functional outcome (as measured by HAQ score, p = 0.001), independent of age, sex and disease duration. Serum VEGF levels were significantly lower in patients carrying the AA genotype of VEGF-2578, compared to that in subjects with a C allele (74.0 vs 85.7 pg/ml, p = 0.033). Other VEGF SNPs or haplotypes were not associated with serum VEGF levels. VEGF-2578 AA was found to be associated with lower DAS-28 (p = 0.046) after adjustment for age, sex, RA duration, and levels of VEGF, MMP-1 and −3. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that A-C-G (-2578/-460/+405), the most frequent haplotype (48.3%), was associated with lower DAS-28 (p = 0.017). Regression analyses suggested that VEGF-2578 SNP associations were independent of VEGF serum level associations. Conclusions: The VEGF-2578 SNP is associated with the serum VEGF level in RA, and may play an additional role in RA disease activity apart from its influence on VEGF expression. Disclosure statement: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Preoperative Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels as a Prognostic Marker for Stage II or III Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can provide prognostic information independent of carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients undergoing curative surgery. Methods Serum samples were collected from 158 patients with colorectal cancer and from 100 controls. Serum and tissue levels of VEGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum VEGF levels in colorectal cancer patients were compared with those in healthy controls, and we retrospectively assessed the association between serum VEGF levels and clinicopathologic findings and survival. Results VEGF expression was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissue compared with nontumor tissue. Mean serum VEGF levels in patients were significantly higher than those in controls, and significantly higher in patients with large tumors, lymph node involvement, and distant metastases. Conclusion Elevated serum VEGF was significantly associated with poor survival, but was only an independent risk factor for poor survival in Stage II and/or III disease. Elevated serum VEGF is significantly associated with development of colorectal cancer, and lymph or distant invasive phenotypes and survival, especially in Stage II and III patients.

The diagnostic significance and the assessment of the value of vascular endothelial growth factor as a marker for success of chemical pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusion

Differential diagnosis of pleural effusion is an important issue, since the treatment modalities and prognosis strictly depend on early and correct diagnosis of the underlying etiology. We assessed the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the differential diagnosis of patients with malignant and non-malignant pleural diseases. And also is assessed of the VEGF as a marker for success of chemical pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusion. Pleural effusions of 40 patients with a mean age of 55 (range, 26 to 78 years) were examined. A total of 20 patients had malignant pleural effusion; malignant mesothelioma (n=7), lung cancer (n=5) and metastatic malignancies (n=8). Twenty patients had benign pleural effusion; fibrinous pleuritis (n=6), tuberculosis (n=3) empyema (n=5), congestive heart failure (n=3), and acute pancreatitis (n=3). Definitive diagnosis was obtained in all cases with blind or open pleural biopsy, and cytological examination. VEGF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The VEGF level of pleural effusion was comparably higher in the malignant group. The mean level of VEGF in patients with malignant pleural effusions (21.7 ± 1.8 ng/ml) was significantly (P <0.001) higher than that of (13.2 ± 1.5 ng/ml) non-malignant effusions. No significant difference was found regarding the VEGF levels and histological types in malignant pleural effusions. Negative correlation was observed between success rate of pleurodesis and VEGF level of pleural effusion (p= 0.015). The measurement of VEGF levels in pleural effusion may be useful to differentiate malignant from nonmalignant pleural effusions. VEGF level may also be an important prognostic marker for effective treatment of the patients who had malignant pleural effusions with pleurodesis. It is important issue in here whether VEGF could be useful in prognostication of outcome of chemical pleurodesis or not.

Relationship between serum IL-18 and VEGF levels in patients with prostate cancer

Objective The aim of our study was to analyze interleukin-18 (IL-18) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels in patients with prostate cancer before and after operation and the possible correlation between IL-18 and VEGF serum levels.

INTRAOCULAR AND SERUM LEVELS OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN ACUTE RETINAL NECROSIS AND OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS

To determine the intraocular and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN) and compare those with VEGF levels found in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Paired intraocular fluid and serum samples of 17 patients with ARN and of 16 patients with OT were analyzed by ELISA for VEGF levels, and the clinical records were reviewed. The mean intraocular VEGF levels in patients with ARN were higher than in patients with OT (P = 0.005), whereas the serum levels did not differ. Intraocular VEGF levels exceeded the serum levels in 8 of 17 patients (47%) with ARN compared with 1 of 16 patients (6%) with OT (P = 0.009). The group with high intraocular VEGF was associated with a more extensive retinitis and lower visual acuity at 3-month follow-up (P < 0.001 and P = 0.031, respectively). Intraocular VEGF levels were elevated in patients with ARN compared with OT patients. Our results suggest strong intraocular VEGF production in ARN, which might be of importance for the treatment of these patients.

Pleural effusion VEGF levels as a prognostic factor of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignant tumor of mesothelial origin associated with asbestos exposure. MPM has a limited response to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy so early diagnosis of MPM is very important. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mitogen for the vascular endothelium, is also known to be an autocrine growth factor for MPM. Here, we investigated the pleural effusion VEGF levels in patients with MPM and compared them to those of a population with a non-malignant pleuritis or lung cancer involving malignant pleural effusion. The pleural effusion VEGF concentrations were measured in 46 MPM patients and 45 individuals with non-MPM individuals (25 individuals with non-malignant pleural effusions, and 20 individuals with lung cancer involving malignant pleural effusion). We demonstrated that patients with MPM had significantly higher pleural effusion VEGF levels than a population with non-malignant pleuritis or lung cancer involving malignant pleural effusion, and the patients with advanced stage MPM showed higher levels of VEGF than the early stage MPM patients. The difference in overall survival between the groups with pleural effusion VEGF levels lower and higher than the assumed cut-off of 2000pg/ml was significant. Our data suggest that the pleural effusion VEGF concentration could be useful as an aid for the diagnosis of MPM and as a prognostic factor.