Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels In Patients Research Articles

Clinical and laboratory substantiation of the effectiveness of professional oral hygiene in preparation for orthopedic treatment with the use of fixed structures of dentures

ВACKGROUND: To extend the service life of fixed orthopedic structures of dentures, professional oral hygiene (POG) should be conducted before orthopedic treatment based on changes in the cytokine profile in the gingival fluid. АIM: To assess the nature of changes in the cytokine profile in the gingival fluid during orthopedic treatment with the use of fixed denture structures before and after the POG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients (n=30) were divided into three groups of 10 people each: group 1, patients with intact periodontitis; group 2, patients with mild periodontitis; and group 3, patients with moderate periodontitis. The examination was conducted before the installation of fixed orthopedic structures and before and a week after POG. Six mediators of immunoregulatory processes — interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), chemokines (IL-8, MCP1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) — were quantified in J samples by solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases, a high IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, MCP1, and VEGF content was found in gingival fluid compared with the group of examined individuals without inflammatory periodontal diseases. After POG, a decrease was found in the content of the main proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the blood and the level of VEGF in patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases. CONCLUSION: A decrease in proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and VEGF in gingival fluid after the POG procedure leads to the blockade of inflammatory and destructive processes in periodontal tissues and allows the introduction of personalized practice of preparing supporting teeth in the oral cavity for permanent prosthetics.

Vascular endothelial growth factor in hypersensitivity pneumonitis and connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease

BackgroundA growing evidence on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases accumulated over the past decade; with the development of nintedanib for the treatment of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases, our aim was to quantify serum levels of VEGF in patients’ hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung diseases (CTD-ILD) with an assessment of its relationship with functional status parameters and echocardiographic findings.MethodsSpirometry, 6-min walking test, echocardiography, and serum VEGF levels were assessed in HP and CTD-ILD patients.ResultsThe study included 31 HP patients, 30 CTD-ILD patients, and 29 control subjects. VEGF level was significantly higher in HP patients than in patients with CTD-ILD and control subjects. VEGF level showed positive correlation with 6-min walk distance and forced vital capacity percent predicted and inverse correlation with percent desaturation in 6-min walk test, dyspnea score, and echocardiographic findings in both groups.ConclusionSerum VEGF is higher in HP patients than in patients with CTD-ILD and control.

Efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal bevacizumab combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer and peritoneal effusion and the effect on serum lncRNA H19 and VEGF levels

Peritoneal effusion is a common event in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. LncRNA H19 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are implicated in cancer progression. The study evaluated the curative effect and safety of bevacizumab combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in OC patients with peritoneal effusion and the effect on serum lncRNA H19/VEGF levels. Totally 248 OC patients with peritoneal effusion were treated with intraperitoneal bevacizumab + HIPEC (observation group) or abdominal paracentesis without HIPEC (control group). The clinical efficacy, quality of life, and adverse reactions were evaluated after two treatment cycles. The serum lncRNA H19 and VEGF levels pre-/post-treatment were determined by RT-qPCR and ELISA. The observation group exhibited better clinical efficacy than the control group, evidenced by a higher partial response rate, response rate, and disease control rate. The observation group exhibited reduced physical/cognitive/role/social/emotional function scores and total adverse reactions. LncRNA H19/VEGF levels showed no significant difference between the two groups before treatment but were significantly downregulated in the observation group after treatment. Summarily, intraperitoneal bevacizumab + HIPEC has significant efficacy in treating peritoneal effusion, improves the quality of life, and reduces serum lncRNA H19 and VEGF levels in OC patients, with fewer adverse reactions and higher safety. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The utilization of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as an emerging treatment option for abdominal malignancies has garnered the attention of numerous researchers over the years, which has significant clinical effects on peritoneal effusion in ovarian cancer and can control patients’ conditions and improve their signs and symptoms to a certain extent. What do the results of this study add? In this paper, we investigated the efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal bevacizumab combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal effusion in ovarian cancer. Meanwhile, we compared serum lncRNA H19 and VEGF levels before and after treatment. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our findings may provide a clinically worthy method for the treatment of peritoneal effusion in ovarian cancer. The treatment method reduces serum lncRNA H19 and VEGF levels in patients, which provides a theoretical basis for further research.

Effect of VEGF on neurological impairment and prognosis of acute cerebral infarction patients: A retrospective case-control study.

Due to the complex pathological mechanism of acute cerebral infarction, the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the disease is not clear. Therefore, a retrospective case-control study was performed to explore the effect of VEGF on neurological impairment and prognosis of acute cerebral infarction patients. A total of 100 patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to our hospital from April 2021 to April 2022 were selected. Blood samples from all patients would be routinely collected to detect the expression of serum VEGF. Pearson chi-square, Spearman correlation and univariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the clinical data to explore the relationship between VEGF expression and basic information, stroke degree, quality of life, and prognosis of patients. To determine whether VEGF can provide relevant basis for the early prevention and prognostic treatment of acute cerebral infarction. And multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio between each variable and VEGF expression. Pearson chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient showed that sex, degree of stroke, limb convulsions, loss of consciousness, hemiplegia, aphasia, mental functioning score, overall quality of life score, and short-term prognosis were significantly correlated with VEGF expression in 100 patients. Univariate logistic regression was used to describe the ORs and 95% confidence interval of subjects at the univariate level, and the degree of stroke (OR = 83.333, P < 0.001), tic of limbs (OR = 26.316, P < 0.001), loss of consciousness (OR = 23.256, P < 0.001), hemiplegia (OR = 62.500, P < 0.001), aphasia (OR = 76.923, P < 0.001), mental functioning score (OR = 7.937, P < 0.001), overall quality of life score (OR = 5.464, P < 0.001), short-term prognosis (OR = 37.037, P < 0.001) was significantly correlated with the high expression of VEGF. The level of serum VEGF was positively correlated with neurological impairment degree and prognosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction, the more severe the degree of stroke and the worse the prognosis.

Vascular endothelial growth factor as a response of denture bearing tissues on mechanical stress in diabetes mellitus

Introduction. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is signal molecule enrolled in diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM type 2) oral complications, but there are no studies showing the relation between VEGF and pressure caused by denture wearing in diabetic conditions. The aim of this study is to compare tissue VEGF levels in patients and animals with/without DM in conditions of chronic and acute pressure. Methods. Research was conducted on DM type 2 and healthy partial denture wearers for more than 5 years (78), candidates for teeth extractions and experimental animals of the Wistar rats (40). For chronic conditions, VEGF was measured in 2 mucosal samples covered and not covered by denture in all denture wearers. Demonstrating acute conditions, after 3 days of wearing experimental plate VEGF was measured in 2 gingival samples of palatal mucosa of DM (20) and control rats (20). The concentrations of VEGF (pg/ml) in human and animal tissues were measured by commercially available ELISA kit. Results. Tissue VEGF levels in control and diabetic partial denture wearers not covered by denture were without statistical difference. In comparison to noncovered tissue, VEGF decreased in samples covered by denture, being significantly lower in DM type 2, comparing to healthiest. VEGF levels in palatal mucosa without palatal base did not significantly differ in control and DM rats. VEGF levels under palatal base increased being significantly lower in DM rats comparing to controls. Conclusion. Both, chronic and acute mechanical stress caused by wearing palatal denture (plate) decreased the VEGF levels in diabetic conditions comparing the health?s suggesting the altered homeostasis.

Study of single nucleotide polymorphism of vascular endothelium factor in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

BackgroundGenetic alterations and high levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are presumptive risk factors for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).ObjectiveThis work aims to study the presence of − 634G/C polymorphism of vascular endothelial growth factor (rs2010963) and its’ serum level in patients with DTC and comparing these results with those of the control subjects.Material and methodThe study was a retrograde case–control study that included seventy patients with DTCin addition to seventy apparently healthy control subjects. Blood sample was taken and subjected to study of − 634G/C VEGF polymorphism (rs2010963) by real time PCR and measurement of its’ plasma level by immunoassay kit (ELISA).ResultsRegarding genotyping of VEGFA − 634G/C (rs2010963) polymorphism, there was significant increase in CG and GG genotypes (28.6%, 18.6% respectively) among patients compared to control subjects (20.0%, 4.3% respectively) and significant increase in CC genotype in control subjects (75.7%) compared to patients (52.9%), P = 0.001. The VEGF mean ± SD level was significantly elevated in patients compared to control subjects (1215.81 ± 225.78 versus 307.16 ± 91.81, P = 0.006). Moreover, there was significant increase in VEGF levels in patients with CG and GG genotypes (1295.9 ± 68.74, 1533.08 ± 109.95, respectively) compared to patients with CC genotype (1061 163.25), P = 0.001).ConclusionThere was significant increase in GG and CG genotypes in patients with DTC compared to control subjects which may suggest a predisposing role for these genotypes in development of DTC. Moreover, there was significant increase in serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with GG and CG genotypes which may reflect the mechanism of these genotypes in development of DTC.

A hypothetical therapeutic effect of light peripheral panretinal photocoagulation in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a significant modulator of ocular angiogenesis, including that of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF is the benchmark treatment for most retinal vascular diseases, including nAMD, diabetic maculopathy, and macular edema secondary to retinal venous occlusion. Anti-VEGF treatment is a high-frequency, time-consuming, non-cost-effective therapy, especially in countries and regions with limited resources. This treatment is easily restricted, and in practice, maintaining long-term periodic care is challenging for patients. Light peripheral panretinal photocoagulation (PPRP) is applied in a mild form (barely visible mild light gray mark) anterior to the equator so as not to jeopardize the visual field. PPRP lessens the ischemia that causes neovascularization and decreases the metabolic demand in the peripheral retina. PPRP reduces serum angiopoietin-2 and VEGF levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. We propose using light PPRP to suppress VEGF secretion, aiming to attenuate the VEGF drive and halt choroidal neovascular growth in eyes with nAMD. Our regimen is based on two concepts: first, nAMD is a diffuse or generalized disease that affects the posterior segment; and second, PPRP is very effective in regressing diabetic retinopathy. PPRP has reportedly been successful in cases of macular edema (diabetic or following venous occlusion) resistant to VEGF antagonists. Light PPRP may be used as prophylaxis, adjunctive treatment, or monotherapy in nAMD when intravitreal injections of VEGF antagonists are not feasible. The established light PPRP therapy could be promising as a one-time, cost-effective therapy or prophylaxis in patients with nAMD or at high risk. This proposed modality could be suitable for patients who have injection phobia or prefer a one-time affordable therapy to the long-term monthly visits to retinologists. Future trials are necessary to verify the safety and efficacy of this proposed treatment modality in selected patients with nAMD.

Central nervous system hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease: Total growth rate and risk of developing new lesions not associated with circulating VEGF levels.

Hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system are a prominent feature of von Hippel-Lindau-disease (vHL). Hemangioblastomas are known to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting a potential role of VEGF as a biomarker for tumor growth. Plasma VEGF samples from 24 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease were analyzed by solid-phase proximity ligation assay (PLA). Levels were monitored over time together with numeric and volumetric CNS tumor burden, and compared to plasma VEGF levels in healthy controls. The mean yearly progression in tumor volume was 65.5%. Yearly risk of developing one or several new CNS tumor(s) was 50%. No significant correlation between tumor burden and levels of VEGF was seen. VEGF levels in patients (31.55-92.04; mean 55.83, median 56.41) as measured by immunodetection in a solid-phase PLA did not differ significantly from controls (37.38-104.56; mean 58.89, median 54.12) (p = 0,266). The increase in total CNS tumor volume in vHL occurred in a saltatory manner. The risk of developing a new lesion was 50% per year. We found no evidence for VEGF secretion from CNS hemangioblastomas in vHL in circulating blood. Other potential biomarkers should be explored to assess progression of tumor burden in vHL.

Angiogenic Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Levels Significantly Correlate to Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) Measures in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression Disorder (TRBDD)

Background: VEGF is a known angiogenic biomarker that is involved in both physiologic and pathologic processes. It has recently been implicated in the stress response and thus, garnered more attention for its role in affective disorders. Its more prominent role in endothelial function may offer insight into the increased risk of cardiovascular pathologies in patients with affective disorders, as it has been well-established that this patient population is at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Increased inflammation has also been investigated as potential mechanism of the increased risk of CVD in this patient population. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial we demonstrated efficacy of escitalopram (ESC) + Celecoxib (CBX) compared to ESC + placebo (PBO) in patients with TRBDD. In this secondary analysis, we aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammation and endothelial function in TRBDD subjects by utilizing SIRI (monocytes x neutrophils/lymphocytes) as a measure of inflammation and VEGF as a measure of endothelial function. We hypothesized that increased measures of SIRI would be associated with increased levels of VEGF in patients with TRBDD. Methods: The original sample (N=79) included healthy controls (n=32) and TRBDD subjects (n=47). The TRBDD cohort included an ESC+CBX arm (n=26) and ESC+PBO arm (n=21). Of the TRBDD subjects, 10 patients had a complete set of data that included measures of SIRI and VEGF at baseline. SIRI was calculated from complete blood count (CBC) drawn at baseline and end of treatment (8 weeks). ELISA assays were used to measure VEGF levels. Depression severity was measured using HAMD17 scores. Statistical analysis was conducted using R-3.6.3. Student's t-test for independent groups was used for the group comparison of SIRI at baseline between the various cohorts and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to study the correlations. Results: A statistically significant, strong positive correlation was observed between SIRI at baseline and VEGF at baseline in TRBDD subjects regardless of treatment arm (p=0.024; Pearson's r=0.702). Group comparison revealed no significant differences in pre- or post- treatment SIRI levels, according to patient status at baseline or at week 8. VEGF did not demonstrate any significant changes post-treatment in either treatment arm, but levels of VEGF were significantly higher in TRBDD patients at baseline compared to healthy controls (p=0.01). Post-treatment depression scores were significantly decreased in the ESC+CBX treatment arm group (p<0.002). Conclusion: Significant, strong positive correlations were observed between measures of inflammation (SIRI) and angiogenesis (VEGF) in TRBDD subjects. Moreover, levels of VEGF were found to be significantly higher in TRBDD patients compared to healthy controls. This data underscores the role that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction may play in the pathogenesis affective disorders. Such results may suggest the underlying mechanisms that place patients with affective disorders at higher risk of CVD, thus offering potential targets of prophylactic CVD therapies. These observations are also suggestive of the role of blood and endothelial cells in mediating the vascular complications observed in patients with affective disorders. Adjunct treatment of these patients resulting in improved outcomes may be related to modulation of other mediators of inflammation. Future studies on SIRI and VEGF are warranted and should clarify their potential roles as predictive biomarkers of CVD risk in affective disorders.

Association of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels with Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), protein originally referred to as vascular permeability factor, maybe a signal protein produced by cells that stimulate the formation of blood vessels and a sub-family of growth factors. They are important signaling proteins engaged in both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is a part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is insufficient like in hypoxic conditions. The serum concentration of VEGF is high in asthma and DM. The aim of this study to explore the relevance of VEGF level with the complication of diabetes mellitus (diabetic retinopathy [DR] and diabetic nephropathy (DN)). Methodology: Case–control study carried out in Khartoum–Sudan from August 2018 to August 2020. One hundred and four patients divided into four groups, 3 ml of blood were collected from each subject in sterile plain vacationer tube (3 ml) then was centrifuged, and the serum was stored at −20°C to measure VEGF level by using ELISA kits (E-EL-H0111, 96T). Results: We have confirmed previous observations of increased plasma VEGF Levels in patients with DR and DN. A total of 103 quality controls divided into four groups (diabetics with DR, diabetics with DN diabetics without DR or DN, and health individuals) were observed to determine the relationship between serum of VEGF levels and diabetes complication DR and DN. Conclusions: High level of VEGF plays a major role in the pathogenesis of DR and DN.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Level in Patients With Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background According to the possible role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the incidence of oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions, it seems necessary to evaluate this factor in patients with OLP. Objective The present study aims to investigate the level of VEGF in patients with OLP. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the search was conducted in online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The data were analyzed in the Stata v. 14 software at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and using a random effect model. The standardized mean difference was used to measure the difference in VEGF level between the two groups of control and OLP. The data heterogeneity was quantified by the I2 index. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of VEGF (SD=0.46, 95% CI: -2.13, -3.05, P=0.730) and the I2 index showed significant heterogeneity among the results of the studies (I2=97.9%). Based on the results of the immunohistochemistry, there was a significant difference in the VEGF level between the two groups (SD=3.30, 95% CI: 6.25, -0.36); however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant via the ELISA method (P=0.530). Conclusion The VEGF level in patients with OLP is higher compared to healthy people. Therefore, the serum factors which indicate VEGF should be considered an effective risk factor for OLP.

Effect of Bicalutamide Combined with Docetaxel on Serum PSA and VEGF Levels in Patients with Advanced Prostate Carcinoma

Objective To investigate the effect of bicalutamide combined with docetaxel on the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with advanced prostate carcinoma (PCa). Methods The clinical data of 103 patients with advanced PCa at our hospital between Feb. 2020 and Feb. 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, the 90 of whom screened by inclusion and exclusion criteria were finally chosen as research objects. They were divided into a control group and an experimental group according to the order of admission, with 45 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional treatment, while the experimental group underwent the combination of bicalutamide and docetaxel, and the clinical indices of the two groups were compared. Results After treatment, the serum indices in the experimental group were remarkably lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001), with remarkably lower incidence of toxic and side effects (P < 0.05) and higher Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) scores (P < 0.001) in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion The implementation of bicalutamide combined with docetaxel in patients with advanced PCa is effective in reducing the inflammatory expression and improving quality of life and has a higher safety profile. Compared with conventional treatment, this method is of high application value, and further studies will help establish a better solution for such patients.

Role of serum β2-microglobulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUNDDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes that can lead to kidney damage and high blood pressure. Increasing evidence support the important roles of microproteins and cytokines, such as β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, we identified novel therapeutic options for this disease.AIMTo analyze the guiding significance of β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels in patients with DN.METHODSA total of 107 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with nephropathy and treated in our hospital from May 2018 to February 2021 were included in the study. Additionally, 107 healthy individuals and 107 patients with simple diabetes mellitus were selected as the control groups. Changes in β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels in the three groups as well as the different proteinuria exhibited by the three groups were examined.RESULTSChanges in β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels in the disease, healthy, and simple diabetes groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). The expression of these factors from high to low were evaluated in different groups by pairwise comparison. In the disease group, high to low changes in β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels were noted in the massive proteinuria, microproteinuria, and normal urinary protein groups, respectively. Changes in these factors were positively correlated with disease progression.CONCLUSIONThe expression of serum β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF was closely correlated with DN progression, and disease progression could be evaluated by these factors.

Correlation of VEGF Expression with Serous Effusion in Multiple Myeloma Patients

To investigate the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and its possible clinical significance. 68 patients with MM who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from July 2019 to June 2020 were collected. The expression level of VEGF was detected by VEGF enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the correlation of VEGF expression with serous effusion in MM was explored, and the relationship between VEGF expression level and clinical features and prognosis of patients with MM was analyzed. The positive rate of VEGF was 36.76% (25/68) in 68 patients with MM, 10 cases (58.82%, 10/17) were VEGF positive in 17 MM patients with serous effusion. The expression level of VEGF in patients with positive serous effusion was significantly higher than that in patients with negative serous effusion (P<0.05); the expression level of VEGF in MM patients of the newly diagnosed and untreated group was significantly higher than that in the remission group after treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the expression level of VEGF between the newly diagnosed group and the refractory/relapsed (R/R) group (P>0.05). Among 68 patients with MM, 48 patients underwent FISH examination, 28 cases had normal karyotype (58.33%), and 20 cases had abnormal karyotype (41.67%). The abnormal karyotype was mainly IgH rearrangement, with a total of 10 cases (20.83%); other cases: 1q21+, del (13q14), del (17p13) were 3 cases (6.25%), 2 cases (4.17%), 7 cases (14.58%), respectively. Compared with VEGF- group, the incidence of IgH rearrangement and del (17p13) in VEGF+ group was higher [IgH rearrangement: 35% vs 10.71%, P=0.043; del(17p13): 30% vs 3.57%, P=0.011]. Compared with negative serous effusion group, the incidence of del (17p13) in positive serous effusion group was higher (31.25% vs 6.25%, P=0.021). The proportion of patients with positive VEGF and serous effusion was 14.71% (10/68), and the proportion of patients with negative VEGF and negative serous effusion was 52.94% (36/68). There was a correlation between serous effusion and VEGF expression (r=0.264, P=0.029). The prognosis of MM patients with serous effusion is poor, and the expression of VEGF in serum of these patients is significantly high. The increased VEGF may be involved in the occurrence and development of serous effusion.

Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundChanges in endothelial function are implicated in the spread of tuberculosis (TB). Studies suggest a role for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in TB-related endothelial function changes. However, the findings of studies investigating the VGEF profile in TB are not consistent, and no formal systematic review and meta-analysis exists summarizing these studies.MethodsWe did a meta-analysis of studies assessing VEGF levels in patients with TB. A systematic search on June 25, 2021, was conducted for eligible studies that made VEGF measurements in an unstimulated sample, e.g., a blood fraction (plasma or serum), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural effusion (PE), or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and ascites or pericardial fluid for patients with TB and controls without TB. Also, studies that made simultaneous measurements of VEGF in blood and PE or CSF in the same patients with TB were included. Longitudinal studies that provided these data at baseline or compared pre-post anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) levels of VEGF were included. The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) of VEGF levels between the comparison groups.Results52 studies were included in the meta-analysis. There were 1787 patients with TB and 3352 control subjects of eight categories: 107 patients with transudative pleural effusion, 228 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF)/chronic renal failure (CRF), 261 patients with empyema and parapneumonic effusion (PPE), 241 patients with cirrhosis, 694 healthy controls (with latent TB infection or uninfected individuals), 20 patients with inactive tuberculous meningitis (TBM), 123 patients with non-TBM, and 1678 patients with malignancy. The main findings are as follows: (1) serum levels of VEGF are higher in patients with active TB compared with healthy controls without other respiratory diseases, including those with latent TB infection or uninfected individuals; (2) both serum and pleural levels of VEGF are increased in patients with TPE compared with patients with transudative, CHF/CRF, or cirrhotic pleural effusion; (3) ascitic/pericardial fluid, serum, and pleural levels of VEGF are decreased in patients with TB compared with patients with malignancy; (4) pleural levels of VEGF are lower in patients with TPE compared with those with empyema and PPE, whereas serum levels of VEGF are not different between these patients; (5) both CSF and serum levels of VEGF are increased in patients with active TBM compared with controls, including patients with inactive TBM or non-TBM subjects; (6) post-ATT levels of VEGF are increased compared with pre-ATT levels of VEGF; and (7) the mean age and male percentage of the TB group explained large and total amount of heterogeneity for the meta-analysis of blood and pleural VEGF levels compared with healthy controls and patients with PPE, respectively, whereas these moderators did not show any significant interaction with the effect size for other analyses.DiscussionThe important limitation of the study is that we could not address the high heterogeneity among studies. There might be unmeasured factors behind this heterogeneity that need to be explored in future research. Meta-analysis findings align with the hypothesis that TB may be associated with abnormal vascular function, and both local and systemic levels of VEGF can be used to trace this abnormality.

Correlation of Serum IL-17, VEGF, and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Levels with Prognosis of Gastric Cancer.

Objective To investigate the correlation of serum interleukin-17 (IL-17), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels with the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Methods From December 2018 to December 2020, 45 patients with gastric cancer treated in our hospital and 50 healthy individuals were assessed for eligibility and recruited. The eligible patients were assigned to an observation group, and the healthy subjects were assigned to a control group. Serum IL-17, LDH, and VEGF levels of the eligible participants were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical testing. The association of serum IL-7, LDH, and VEGF levels with their pathological characteristics was examined in the observation group. The correlation between serum IL-17 and VEGF was analyzed using the Pearson method, and regression models were established using COX proportional risk to explore the independent risk factors for gastric cancer. Results Gastric cancer was associated with higher levels of IL-17, LDH, and VEGF versus a healthy status (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum IL-17, LDH, and VEGF levels between the two groups of patients with different clinical characteristics (P > 0.05). Higher tumor TNM stages resulted in significantly higher levels of IL-17, LDH, and VEGF (P < 0.05). Serum IL-17 level was positively correlated with VEGF level (P < 0.05). Cox regression multifactorial analysis showed that serum IL-17, LDH, VEGF, and tumor TNM stages could be independent high-risk influencing factors for gastric cancer (P < 0.05). Serum IL-17 was positively correlated with VEGF levels in patients with gastric cancer. Conclusion Serum IL-17, LDH, and VEGF levels in gastric cancer patients are closely correlated with the TNM stage and patients' prognosis, both of which show great potential as effective indicators for evaluating the prognosis of gastric cancer.

Elevated serum Cripto-1 and VEGF levels in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Cripto‐1 (CR‐1) facilitates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and these markers are associated with various tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The main aim of our study was to investigate the clinical value of CR‐1 and VEGF for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Serum samples were collected from 312 patients with NSCLC and 120 healthy controls. The levels of CR‐1 and VEGF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum levels of CR‐1 and VEGF in NSCLC patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (p < 0.05). Elevated CR‐1 levels were associated with progression of NSCLC stage and higher CR‐1 was detected more in patients with distant metastasis (p < 0.05). Patients exhibiting low levels of serum CR‐1 had better overall survival than those with high levels (p < 0.05). The CR‐1 levels of NSCLC patients with postoperative recurrent were higher than those of nonrecurrent NSCLC patients. Our study suggests that serum CR‐1 and VEGF are useful biomarker for NSCLC patients.

PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN THE CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT IN PATIENTS WITH POLYMORBID PATHOLOGY: THE COMBINED COURSE OF HYPERTENSION, TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM.

The aim: To determine the prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels for the development of cardiovascular complications in patients with a combined course of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and subclinical hypothyroidism. Materials and methods: 93 patients (mean age 61,71±0,87 years) with the combined course of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and subclinical hypothyroidism were examined. Parameters of lipid, carbohydrate metabolism, plasma insulin, VEGF (by ELISA), blood pressure levels were measured. Observation period was12 months. Results: VEGF levels in the patients group were significantly higher than in the controls (482,77±21,34 pg/ ml vs. 121,84±11,66 pg/ ml, p <0,001). The results of the ROC analysis made it possible to propose the level of VEGF ≥ 512.31 pg/ml as an identifier for the cardiovascular complications development in patients with studied comorbidity. VEGF levels in patients who developed cardiovascular complications during observation period were significantly higher the VEGF threshold levels (650,76 ± 52,04 pg / ml vs. 512,31 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0,038) and VEGF levels in patients without cardiovascular complications were significantly lower the threshold values (420,47± 21,67 pg/ml vs. 512,31 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0,047). Conclusions: Determination of the vascular endothelial growth factor plasma level allows to evaluate the long-term prognosis in comorbid course of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and subclinical hypothyroidism.

The Effect of Hypoxia Inducible Factor -1 Alpha and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Level in Type 2 Diabetes Microvascular Complications and Development.

Background:Angiogenesis in diabetic patients is often caused by hyperglycemia induced by hypoxiaObjective:The aim of this study was to analyze the serum level of Hypoxia Inducible Factor -1α (HIF-1α) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) between March until Desember 2020.Methods:This is a cross-sectional analytic methods, 135 patients with Type 2 Diabetes 48 samples with Microvascular complication and 87 samples with non-microvascular complication were recruited from the various primary health care centers in Medan city and surrounding areas in North Sumatera. VEGF levels and HIF-1α tested were done with ELISA methods in the laboratory of Medical Faculty, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 24. The significance level was set up to 0.005.Results:The median HIF-1 levels in patients with microvascular complications were lower than those without microvascular complications, with a range of HIF-1α values in non-complicated samples (0.02-13.96) ng/ml and a range of HIF-1α values in vascular complications (0.52- 8.87) mg/dL. There was a significant difference in HIF-1α levels in patients with Type-2 DM with complications compared to those without complications (p<0.05). Median VEGF levels were higher in complicated Type-2 DM. There was no difference in VEGF levels in patients with Type-2 DM with complications compared to those without complications (p > 0.005).Conclusion:HIF-1α and VEGF levels showed the development in vascularity. With the higher level of HIF-1α, an increase in VEGF levels were found, indicating the angiogenesis is occurring. Although complications have not yet occurred, it is predicted that high VEGF values will cause vascular complications in the future.

Butylphthalide Combined With Conventional Treatment Attenuates MMP-9 Levels and Increases VEGF Levels in Patients With Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background and Purpose: Butylphtalide increases the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and decreases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in animal models of stroke and might be of use in the management of stroke. To explore whether butylphthalide combined with conventional treatment can change the levels of MMP-9 and VEGF and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of patients with stroke.Methods: This was a prospective cohort study involving inpatients admitted to the Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital (January–June 2019) due to acute cerebral infarction. The patients received conventional treatments with or without butylphthalide. The changes in the NIHSS scores were compared between groups. Plasma MMP-9 and VEGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: A total of 24 patients were included in the conventional treatment group and 46 in the butylphthalide group. The butylphthalide group showed lower MMP-9 (130 ± 59 vs. 188 ± 65, p = 0.001) and higher VEGF (441 ± 121 vs. 378 ± 70, p = 0.034) levels on day 6 compared with the conventional treatment group. The changes in MMP-9 and VEGF were significant, starting on day 3 in the butylphthalide group but on day 6 in the conventional treatment group. There were no differences between the two groups in the NIHSS scores at admission and at discharge (p > 0.05). The overall response rate was higher in the butylphthalide group compared with the conventional treatment group (63.0 vs. 37.5%, p = 0.042).Conclusion: Butylphthalide combined with conventional treatment can decrease MMP-9 levels and increase VEGF levels. The patients showed the reduced NIHSS scores, possibly suggesting some improvement in prognosis after stroke. Still, the conclusions need to be confirmed in a larger sample and in different etiological subtypes of stroke.