Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels In Patients Research Articles

S100A12 and vascular endothelial growth factor can differentiate Blau syndrome and familial Mediterranean fever from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) has recently become regarded as one of the autoinflammatory syndromes (AIS). However, other AIS, such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and Blau syndrome, have been initially misdiagnosed as sJIA because of the clinical similarities. Making the correct diagnosis in the early stage of these AIS is desirable. Therefore, we evaluated serum S100A12 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels to determine if they could be biomarkers for differentiating these AIS. Serum S100A12 and VEGF levels were examined in patients with Blau syndrome (n = 4), FMF (n = 4), and sJIA (n = 11) in the active and inactive phases. In the active phase, S100A12 levels were significantly higher in patients with sJIA and FMF compared with those with Blau syndrome (p < 0.001). VEGF levels of patients with sJIA were significantly higher than those of patients with others (p = 0.001). In the inactive phase, there was no significant difference in VEGF levels. However, colchicine-resistant patients or patients without treatment with FMF showed high levels of S100A12 compared with others. Measuring both serum S100A12 and VEGF levels may be useful for differentiating patients with Blau syndrome and FMF from those with sJIA at the early stage.

Endothelial progenitor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with Takayasu\u2019s arteritis

BackgroundEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are responsible for endothelial damage repair. Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects large vessels. The aim of the study was to evaluate the number of EPCs and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the relationship of these variables in patients with TA.MethodsThirty women with TA and 30 healthy controls were included. EPCs were assessed by flow cytometry and cell culture and VEGF quantification was performed by commercial ELISA kits.ResultsAges of patients and controls were similar. The number of EPCs in patients and controls (median (interquartile range) were 0.0073% (0.0081%) vs. 0.0062% (0.0089%), p = 0.779 by flow cytometry and 27.0 (42.3) colony forming units (CFUs) vs. 27.0 (20.5) CFUs, p = 0.473 by cells culture, respectively. VEGF levels in patients and controls was 274.5 (395.5) pg/ml vs. 243.5 (255.3) pg/ml, p = 0.460. There was no difference in the number of EPCs and VEGF level between patients with active and inactive disease. There was a tendency of the number of angioblast-like EPCs in patients taking anti-TNFs to be higher; and in patients using methotrexate to be lower.ConclusionNo significant difference was found in the quantification of EPCs and VEGF levels in TA patients compared to controls, and no difference was observed between patients with active and inactive disease.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels as a marker of skin thickening, digital ischemia, and interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis

Background: Vascular injury is the initial event in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and potent proangiogenic mediators such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are overexpressed in the skin and circulation of patients with SSc. The objective of this study was to determine the serum levels of VEGF in patients with SSc and to correlate it with the severity of skin thickening, digital ischemia, and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods: Serum VEGF levels were measured in 55 patients with SSC who fulfilled 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for scleroderma and 30 healthy age- and gender-matched controls by ELISA. All patients underwent detailed clinical examination, baseline blood investigations, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and pulmonary function tests. Echocardiography and high-resolution computed tomography scan of lungs were done wherever necessary. Results: Median serum VEGF in SSc patients was higher than in the controls (675 pg/ml [interquartile range (IQR): 395–920] vs. 180.5 pg/ml [IQR: 155–215], respectively; P = 0.00001). No statistically significant difference was observed between diffuse (662.5 pg/ml [IQR: 441.25–942.5]) and limited SSc (680 pg/ml [IQR: 325–850]) (P = 0.412). Serum VEGF levels correlated significantly with higher modified Rodnan skin scores (r = 0.7168) (P Conclusion: Serum VEGF levels were elevated in SSc and they correlated with the severity of skin thickening, digital ischemia, and presence of ILD.

VEGFR2 alteration in Alzheimer\u2019s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common disorder of progressive cognitive decline among elderly subjects. Angiogenesis-related factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Soluble form of the VEGF receptor is likely to be an intrinsic negative counterpart of VEGF. We measured the plasma levels of VEGF and its two soluble receptors (sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2) in 120 control subjects, 75 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 76 patients with AD using ELISA. Plasma levels of VEGF in patients with AD were higher than those in healthy control subjects. However, plasma levels of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 were lower in patients with AD than in healthy control subjects. Levels of VEGFR2 mRNA were significantly decreased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells after amyloid-beta treatment. Further, protein levels of VEGFR2 were also decreased in the brains of AD model mice. In addition, we show that the expression of sVEGFR2 and VEGFR2 was also decreased by the transfection with the Notch intracellular domain. These results indicate that the alterations of VEGF and its two receptors levels might be associated with those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

SERUM VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AFTER BEVACIZUMAB OR RANIBIZUMAB TREATMENT FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY.

To investigate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the systemic circulation after intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) or ranibizumab (IVR) in patients with Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Patients who had Type 1 ROP and received IVB or IVR were enrolled. Serum samples were collected before and up to 12 weeks after IVB or IVR treatment. The main outcome measurements were serum levels of VEGF up to 12 weeks after anti-VEGF treatment. In total, 10 patients with Type 1 ROP were enrolled in this study. All the eyes had complete resolution of abnormal neovascularization of ROP after IVB or IVR. In the direct comparison of IVB with IVR, serum VEGF was found to be suppressed more in patients with Type 1 ROP who received IVB treatment, compared with those who received IVR treatment (P = 0.01, P = 0.03, and P = 0.03, respectively, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after intravitreal injection). Serum VEGF levels in patients with Type 1 ROP were suppressed for 2 months after treatment with IVB, and VEGF levels were less affected after IVR treatment. Further studies are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of VEGF changes in ROP patients.

Serum VEGF Levels in Helicobacter pylori Infection and Correlation with Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA Genes.

BACKGROUND:Helicobacter pylori vacA and cagA genes are associated with higher virulence. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is one important marker for neo-angiogenesis.AIM:The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between VEGF serum levels with cagA and vacA genes in H. pylori infection.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was done on eighty patients that consecutive admitted to endoscopy unit. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was based on rapid urease test. Serum samples were obtained to determine circulating VEGF level. Polymerase chain reaction was done to examine H. pylori vacA and cagA genes. Data analysis were carried-out using SPSS version 22.RESULTS:A total of 80 patients were examined. There were 45 (56.3%) patients infected with Helicobacter pylori. There were 33 (73.3%) patients with H. pylori cagA positive. Serum VEGF levels in patients with the H. pylori positive were significantly higher compared to the patients that have no H. pylori. Serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in cagA positive than negative.CONCLUSION:Serum VEGF level is correlated with H. pylori infection and its virulence status. The more virulence of H. pylori, cagA gene, the higher serum VEGF levels were found.

The potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor as a new biomarker in severe intracerebral hemorrhage.

We studied the association between high serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Patients were divided into group A (<20mL), group B (20-30mL), and group C (>30mL) based on the bleeding amount. ICH patients were also categorized into the mild group, moderate group (16-30), and severe group (31-45) based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The serum levels of VEGF in acute ICH patients detected at 24, 48, and 72hours were obtained using ELISA kit, and then compared with control group. Main clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale at 90days. The serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher than those in the control group. The serum levels of VEGF in group C were specifically higher compared with those in other two groups. The severe group exhibited higher levels of VEGF than the other two groups. NIHSS scores in patients with good outcomes were lower than those with poor outcomes. Besides, VEGF levels in patients with good outcomes were much higher than those in patients with poor outcomes. ROC results indicated that the optimal cut-off value of VEGF at 72hours for predicting good outcomes was 111.17pg/mL with 91.5 sensitivity, 98.7 specificity, and an AUC of 0.952 Our results showed that higher serum levels of VEGF were associated with process of ICH. VEGF could be a new marker in ICH for severity.

Vascular endothelial growth factor levels and rheumatic diseases of the elderly.

BackgroundIncreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported in remitting symmetrical seronegative synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). The aim of this study was to compare VEGF levels in patients over 60 years of age who have RS3PE, RA, PMR or GCA so as to determine whether elevated VEGF is specific for a rheumatic disease, the inflammation or edema that occurs with these pathological conditions.MethodsIn this retrospective, multicentric study we assessed serum and plasma levels of VEGF in patients over 60 years of age with rheumatic diseases that were either de novo or of recent onset according to the initial clinical presentation, and we compared these patients with a control group.ResultsSerum and plasma VEGF levels were determined in 80 patients (5 with RS3PE, 13 with RA, 44 with PMR, and 18 with GCA) and 37 controls. Edema occurred in five patients with RS3PE, four with RA, and one with PMR, but not patients with GCA. Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in individuals with rheumatic diseases (849 (405.5–1235.5) pg/ml) relative to the controls (484 (302–555) pg/ml) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between patients with RS3PE, RA, PMR, or GCA in terms of the VEGF serum levels (p = 0.60) or plasma levels (p = 0.57). Similarly, the occurrence of edema did not correlate with VEGF levels.ConclusionVEGF increases in rheumatic diseases compared to a control group. This was not associated with specific rheumatic diseases or with edematous rheumatic diseases.

Correlation between circulating VEGF levels and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: ameta-analysis.

To systematically review evidence regarding the relationship between circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the correlation between serum VEGF levels and RA activity, and the association between VEGF polymorphisms and RA susceptibility. We conducted ameta-analysis of the serum/plasma VEGF levels in patients with RA and controls, the correlation coefficients between the circulating VEGF levels and disease activity in patients with RA, and the association between VEGF -2578A/C, -634C/G, +936T/C, and -1154A/G polymorphisms and the risk for RA. In total, 13studies including 2508patients with RA and 2489controls were included. Meta-analysis revealed that VEGF level was significantly higher in the RA than in the control group (standard mean difference [SMD]= 1.480, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.71-2.241, p= 1.4× 10-4). Stratification by adjustment for age and gender revealed significantly higher VEGF levels for the adjustment and non-adjustment groups in the RA group (SMD= 1.360, 95% CI= 0.445-2.276, p= 0.004; SMD= 1.557, 95% CI= 0.252-2.861, p= 0.019, respectively). Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients showed asignificantly positive correlation between circulating VEGF levels and disease activity in RA, and between circulating VEGF and C‑reactive protein levels. However, no association was found between RA and the VEGF -2578A/C, -634C/G, +936T/C, and -1154A/G polymorphisms. Our meta-analysis revealed significantly higher circulating VEGF levels in patients with RA and apositive correlation between VEGF levels and disease activity in RA, but no association between the VEGF -2578A/C, -634C/G, +936T/C, and -1154A/G polymorphisms and the development of RA.

Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels in patients with alpha thalassemia

Background: Alpha-thalassemia syndrome includes a group of hereditary anemia in which expression of alpha globin chains is decreased or absent. Impaired RBC in patients with thalassemia causes vessel involvement and endothelial cell vessel disturbance. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is the most important regulator for endothelial cell proliferation. So, the aim of this study is to compare the serum VEGF levels in patients with alpha thalassemia and normal control group. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 17 patients with alpha thalassemia and 40 healthy people. Serum VEGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Then statistical analysis of results were performed using SPSS 16, value of P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean serum VEGF levels in case and control groups were 2294.19±1552.39 and 598.09±988.17pg/ml, respectively. Serum VEGF levels were higher in patients with alpha thalassemia (P <0.01). There was no significant correlation between serum VEGF levels and Hemoglobin. (P= 0.73). Conclusion: Our study revealed that patients with alpha thalassemia have elevated levels of serum VEGF than normal control group. Further studies with larger sample size are recommended to confirm these observations. K e y w o r ds: Alpha Thalassemia, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor(VEGF), Angiogenesis

Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels in patients with alpha thalassemia

Background: Alpha-thalassemia syndrome includes a group of hereditary anemia in which expression of alpha globin chains is decreased or absent. Impaired RBC in patients with thalassemia causes vessel involvement and endothelial cell vessel disturbance. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is the most important regulator for endothelial cell proliferation. So, the aim of this study is to compare the serum VEGF levels in patients with alpha thalassemia and normal control group. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 17 patients with alpha thalassemia and 40 healthy people. Serum VEGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Then statistical analysis of results were performed using SPSS 16, value of P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean serum VEGF levels in case and control groups were 2294.19±1552.39 and 598.09±988.17pg/ml, respectively. Serum VEGF levels were higher in patients with alpha thalassemia (P <0.01). There was no significant correlation between serum VEGF levels and Hemoglobin. (P= 0.73). Conclusion: Our study revealed that patients with alpha thalassemia have elevated levels of serum VEGF than normal control group. Further studies with larger sample size are recommended to confirm these observations. K e y w o r ds: Alpha Thalassemia, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor(VEGF), Angiogenesis

Effect of erythropoietin stimulating agents on vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with end stage renal disease.

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a debilitating disease that not only impacts quality of life, but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and overall mortality. By improving our understanding of the molecular patterns seen in progression of chronic renal disease (CRD), we may be able to slow down and possibly even prevent progression renal failure. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated as a major contributor to CRD disease progression, thus our aim was to profile the VEGF levels in patients with ESRD and to determine the effects of the erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs). Under institution review board (IRB) approval, plasma samples were collected from 77 patients prior to hemodialysis and heparin administration. Normal human plasma samples (female & male, 18-35 years old) were purchased from George King Biomedical Inc (Overland Park, KS). All samples were stored at -80 °C. Inflammatory biochips were purchased from RANDOX (Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland) to test VEGF on 77 ESRD and 48 normal samples. The VEGF was significantly elevated in ESRD vs. normal (P<0.0001), ESRD+ESA vs. normal (P<0.0001), and ESRD-ESA vs. normal (P<0.0001). No difference was seen between ESRD+ESA and ESRD-ESA. Hemoglobin and free iron were significantly elevated in ESRD-ESA compared to ESRD+ESA (PHemoglobin=0.0007, PIron<0.0001). Our finding that VEGF was significantly elevated in ESRD vs. normal, aligns with the literature and suggests that VEGF may in fact play a key role in CRD progression. However, further studies to evaluate VEGF isomer levels are needed. While we saw lack of difference in VEGF levels between ESRD+ESA and ESRD-ESA, this may be due to the treatment algorithm used. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the ESAs and hemoglobin levels show any influence on or crosstalk with the VEGF levels.

Systemic Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Treated by Stereotactic Radiosurgery

ObjectiveIncreased expression of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is associated with the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). The purpose of this study was to investigate plasma levels of VEGF in normal subjects and in patients with CCM and to evaluate change in these levels following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).MethodsPeripheral venous blood was collected from 6 patients with CCM before SRS using Gamma Knife and at the 1 week, 1 month, 3month, and 6 month follow-up visits. Plasma VEGF levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers as controls.ResultsMean plasma VEGF level of 41.9 pg/mL (range, 11.7–114.9 pg/mL) in patients with CCM at baseline was higher than that of the healthy controls (29.3 pg/mL, range, 9.2–64.3 pg/mL), without significant differences between CCM patients and controls (p=0.828). Plasma VEGF level following SRS dropped to 24.6 pg/mL after 1 week, and decreased to 18.5 pg/mL after 1 month, then increased to 24.3 pg/mL after 3 months, and 32.6 pg/mL after 6 months. Two patients suffering from rebleeding after SRS showed a higher level of VEGF at 6 months after SRS than their pretreatment level.ConclusionPlasma VEGF levels in patients with CCM were elevated over controls at baseline, and decreased from baseline to 1 month after SRS and increased further for up to 6 months. Theses results indicated that anti-angiogenic effect of SRS might play a role in the treatment of CCMs.

Effect of Altitude on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels with Validation of Its Prognostic Significance in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Background and aim of the work: Recent studies revealed that hypobaric hypoxia stimulates release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other studies found that high levels of this angiogenic factor are correlated with poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study we will measure the serum levels of VEGF in both healthy individuals and in patients with operable non small cell lung carcinoma living in hypobaric oxygen environment (Taif) and validate the prognostic significance of its pretreatment level in those patients. Patients and methods: Thirty one patients with operable (stage I, II and III A) non-small cell lung cancer (the patient group) and 15 healthy volunteers with matched gender and age (control group) were enrolled in this study from January 2010 to March 2015. The pretreatment level of VEGF was measured in patients in addition of its level in controls. All patients had the same diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. Mean follow up of patients was 30.4±7.8 months. Results: Themean level of VEGF was high in control group, however, it was significantly lower than that in patient group (P value 0.041). The median survival of stage I patients was 13 months, stage II was 9 months, and of stage III A was 6 months. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between survival and pretreatment level of VEGF in patients with small lung cancer. Conclusions: Our results revealed that hypobaric hypoxia significantly increases the circulating levels of VEGF in healthy individuals without remarkable effect on its level in patients with NSCLC. Our study verified also that the pretreatment mean serum level of VEGF showed a highly significant increase in NSCLC patients than that in control group and it was significantly correlated with patient survival in levels above 618 pg/ml.

Increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis

The regulation of neurotrophic factors plays an important role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to promote neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and influence synaptic transmission. Many studies have examined the VEGF levels in patients with depression, however the results have been inconsistent. In the current meta-analysis, we compared blood VEGF levels between MDD patients and control subjects (16 articles including 872 patients and 882 control subjects). The effect sizes of individual studies were synthesized using a random effect model. We found that the blood VEGF levels in the patients with MDD were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (p<0.001), and the difference was negatively correlated with mean age (p=0.01). Other variables including proportion of female subjects, body mass index, severity of depression, duration of illness, and age at onset were not significantly correlated with the difference. Our results highlight that elevated blood VEGF levels may be a disease marker in patients with MDD. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between VEGF levels in central and peripheral environments, and clarify the role of VEGF in the pathophysiology of MDD.

Alterations in plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with schizophrenia before and after treatment

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenetic factor, is a known neurotrophic factor. In this study, we examined plasma levels of VEGF in 50 patients with schizophrenia (SPR) and 50 healthy control subjects. We also explored any changes in plasma VEGF levels after 6-week treatment with antipsychotic agents in patients with schizophrenia. All subjects with schizophrenia were either medication-naïve or medication-free for at least 4 weeks before assessment. Plasma VEGF levels in all subjects were significantly correlated with smoking duration, which was considered to be a significant covariate. Pre-treatment plasma VEGF levels in patients with schizophrenia were significantly lower than those in healthy controls. Post-treatment VEGF levels were significantly increased in patients with schizophrenia. Plasma VEGF levels in patients with schizophrenia did not exhibit significant correlation with the total or subscale scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) either at baseline or at the end of the 6-week treatment. In conclusion, our findings reveal that plasma VEGF levels before treatment were lower in patients with schizophrenia and that their VEGF levels increased after treatment. Thus, VEGF may have a neuroprotective role in the improvement of schizophrenia or in the treatment effects of antipsychotics.

Serum fetuin-A concentrations are positively associated with serum VEGF levels in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Fetuin-A was considered to be involved in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, higher vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is associated with diabetes and its vascular complications, but the mechanisms leading to higher VEGF levels are still not clear. To the best of our knowledge, there are no data to show the associations between fetuin-A and VEGF in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum fetuin-A concentrations and serum VEGF levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. We recruited 345 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Serum fetuin-A concentrations and serum VEGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. In this study, there was a significant positive correlation between serum fetuin-A concentrations and serum VEGF levels (r=0.223, P<0.001), and the correlation remained significant even after adjustment for other confounding factors in the multivariate regression model (β=0.151, P=0.006). Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) stratified analysis showed that the degree of association of high concentrations of fetuin-A with high levels of VEGF is higher than that with low levels of VEGF (odds ratio of M-H [ORM-H], 2.938; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.896-4.553). In addition, this study showed that both fetuin-A and VEGF were positively associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These data suggested that serum fetuin-A concentrations were positively associated with serum VEGF levels in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Analysis of Circulating Endostatin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Pituitary Adenoma Treated by Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A Preliminary Study.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate plasma levels of endostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in normal subjects and in patients with pituitary adenoma and to evaluate change in these levels following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for pituitary adenoma.MethodsPeripheral venous blood was collected from five patients with pituitary adenoma before SRS using Gamma Knife and at the 1 week and 1 month follow-up visits. Plasma endostatin and VEGF levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers as controls.ResultsMean baseline plasma endostatin level (105.3 ng/mL, range, 97.0-120.2 ng/mL) in patients with pituitary adenoma was higher than that of the healthy controls (86.6 ng/mL, range, 71.3-98.2 ng/mL) (p=0.001). Mean plasma VEGF level was 89.5 pg/mL (range, 24.1-171.8 pg/mL) in patients with pituitary adenoma at baseline and 29.3 pg/mL (range, 9.2-64.3 pg/mL) in the control group (p=0.050). Plasma endostatin level changed to 106.6 ng/mL 1 week after SRS and decreased to 95.9 ng/mL after 1 month. Plasma VEGF level following SRS decreased to 74.1 pg/mL after 1 week and 79.0 pg/mL after 1 month. There was a trend toward decreased plasma endostatin and VEGF concentrations 1 month after SRS compared to baseline levels (p=0.195, p=0.812, respectively).ConclusionPlasma endostatin and VEGF levels in patients with pituitary adenoma were significantly elevated over controls at baseline, which decreased from baseline to 1 month after SRS for pituitary adenomas.

Prognostic role of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver transplantation.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is pivotal in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of circulating VEGF levels in patients undergoing liver resection or locoregional therapy (LRT) for HCC. We investigated the significance of preoperative plasma VEGF levels in patients with HCC undergoing liver transplantation (LT) at a Western transplant center. Pre-LT plasma VEGF levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunoassay for 164 patients with HCC undergoing LT. The preoperative plasma VEGF level was correlated with clinicopathological variables and overall and recurrence-free post-LT survival. A higher pre-LT plasma VEGF level was significantly associated with pre-LT LRT (P = 0.01), multiple tumors (P = 0.02), a total tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm (P = 0.01), bilobar tumor distribution (P = 0.03), tumor vascular invasion (VI; P < 0.001), and HCC beyond the Milan criteria (P < 0.001). Patients with a plasma VEGF level > 44 pg/mL had significantly worse overall and disease-free survival than those with VEGF levels ≤ 44 pg/mL (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, a plasma VEGF level > 44 pg/mL was independently associated with tumor VI (P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 2.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-4.14, P = 0.03). In conclusion, in patients with chronic end-stage liver disease and HCC, a pre-LT plasma VEGF level > 44 pg/mL may be a predictor of tumor VI and recurrence-free post-LT survival.

VEGF levels in CSF and serum in mild ALS patients

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder involving both upper and lower motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was originally described as a factor with a regulatory role in vascular growth and development, and now it also functions as a neurotrophic factor protecting motoneurons from insults such as oxidative stress, hypoxia and glutamate-excitotoxicity, but the role of VEGF in ALS is still unclear. The aim of this study is to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum VEGF levels in patients with ALS, and to investigate whether there are correlations between CSF and serum VEGF levels and clinical parameters of the disease and whether VEGF has a prognostic and evaluating potential for ALS. Results showed that VEGF levels were found to increase significantly in CSF and serum in ALS patients studied; they were positively and significantly correlated with the disease duration in ALS patients and inversely and significantly correlated with disease progression rate (DPR) of ALS patients. Moreover, CSF and serum from ALS patients with long duration and slow disease progression rate revealed higher VEGF levels as compared to ALS patients with short duration and rapid disease progression rate. In conclusion, VEGF upregulation may indicate an activation of compensatory responses in ALS which may reflect or in fact account for increased duration and slow disease progression rate. We propose that VEGF may be a useful biomarker having the prognostic and evaluating potential for ALS.