Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Values Research Articles

Preoperative Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a predictor of malignant ovarian tumor

Background: Effective biomarkers for accurate characterization of newly diagnosed ovarian tumors and adnexal masses are of paramount importance. The availability of an ideal serum marker is highly recommended. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be considered as a predictor of ovarian cancer. Objective: This study explored the efficacy of preoperative serum VEGF for detection of malignant ovarian tumor. Methods: This cross sectional analytical study was conducted among 86 patients who were enrolled for this study according to final histopathology report and who did not receive any kind of treatment. Serum levels of VEGF-A were determined by using ELISA method. ROC curve was plotted to achieve the best cutoff value of serum VEGF. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the VEGF distribution across sub-groups of patients. Result: A statistically significant difference in the levels of serum VEGF level was observed between benign and malignant ovarian tumor patients. Ovarian cancer patients had a higher preoperative median S. VEGF level of 753.8 pg/ml than that of benign ovarian masses (median 241.8 pg/ml; p value 0.001). The ability of serum VEGF to differentiate malignancy from benign masses at a cut-off value of 547.85 pg/ml gave a sensitivity of 90.1%, a specificity of 93.5%. Conclusion: This study revealed that preoperative serum VEGF may be used as a feasible vascular marker and predictor of malignant ovarian tumors. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2023; 49: 183-189

Serum biomarkers and disease progression in CT-negative mild traumatic brain injury.

Blood proteins are emerging as potential biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Molecular pathology of mTBI underscores the critical roles of neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, and vascular health in disease progression. However, the temporal profile of blood biomarkers associated with the aforementioned molecular pathology after CT-negative mTBI, their diagnostic and prognostic potential, and their utility in monitoring white matter integrity and progressive brain atrophy remain unclear. Thus, we investigated serum biomarkers and neuroimaging in a longitudinal cohort, including 103 CT-negative mTBI patients and 66 matched healthy controls (HCs). Angiogenic biomarker vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exhibited the highest area under the curve of 0.88 in identifying patients from HCs. Inflammatory biomarker interleukin-1β and neuronal cell body injury biomarker ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 were elevated in acute-stage patients and associated with deterioration of cognitive function from acute-stage to 6-12mo post-injury period. Notably, axonal injury biomarker neurofilament light (NfL) was elevated in acute-stage patients, with higher levels associated with impaired white matter integrity in acute-stage and progressive gray and white matter atrophy from 3- to 6-12mo post-injury period. Collectively, our findings emphasized the potential clinical value of serum biomarkers, particularly NfL and VEGF, in diagnosing mTBI and monitoring disease progression.

Diagnostic values of serum BNP, PTX3, and VEGF in acute pulmonary embolism complicated by pulmonary artery hypertension and their correlations with severity of pulmonary artery hypertension.

This paper aimed to unveil the diagnostic values of serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in acute pulmonary embolism complicated by pulmonary artery hypertension (APE-PAH) and their correlations with severity of PAH. A total of 153 patients with APE were selected for our study and divided into the PAH and Non-PAH groups according to the measurement of pulmonary artery pressure by echocardiography. Serum BNP levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and serum PTX3 and VEGF levels were appraised by ELISA. The predictive values of BNP, PTX3, and VEGF for APE-PAH were evaluated by applying the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Spearman test was implemented to correlate BNP, PTX3, and VEGF with the severity of PAH. Higher serum levels of BNP, PTX3, and VEGF were observed in the PAH group versus the Non-PAH group (p < .05). ROC curve analysis indicated that BNP, PTX3, and VEGF had acceptable diagnostic value for predicting APE-PAH. Higher serum levels of BNP, PTX3, and VEGF were witnessed in the moderate and severe PAH groups in contrast to the mild PAH group (p < .05), and the levels of these parameters were elevated in the severe PAH group versus the moderate PAH group (p < .05). Spearman correlation analysis signified that serum BNP (r = 0.377), PTX3 (r = 0.488), and VEGF (r = 0.575) levels were positively correlated with the severity of PAH in APE-PAH patients. Serum BNP, PTX3, and VEGF levels are significantly elevated in APE-PAH patients. Serum BNP, PTX3, and VEGF levels are of clinical value in the diagnosis of APE-PAH patients, and serum BNP, PTX3, and VEGF levels are positively correlated with the severity of PAH and can be used as predictors of the severity of PAH.

Predictive value of serum HIF-1α and VEGF for arrhythmia in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been widely used in the alleviation of myocardial ischemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmia (RA) after PCI is high, which seriously affects the prognosis of ACS patients. Therefore, this study aimed to study the predictive value of serum HIF-1α and VEGF levels before PCI for RA in ACS patients post PCI. A total of 200 ACS patients who underwent PCI were selected and divided into those with RA after PCI (RA, n = 93) and those without RA after PCI (non-RA, n = 107) according to Lown grade. Spearman correlation analysis was applied for the relationship between serum hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and Lown grade. Patients with RA after PCI tended to have higher levels of creatine kinase muscle and brain isoenzyme (CK-MB), serum HIF-1α and VEGF before surgery. Low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), high CK-MB, high serum VEGF and HIF-1α were risk factors for RA in ACS patients within 24 h after PCI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that serum HIF-1α and VEGF levels could predict RA in ACS patients after PCI, and the combined detection could increase the sensitivity of single HIF-1α detection and the specificity of single VEGF detection. Lown grade was positively correlated with the serum HIF-1α and VEGF concentrations. In conclusion, serum HIF-1α and VEGF levels before PCI are risk factors for the occurrence of RA in ACS patients after PCI, and have certain predictive values for the occurrence of RA in ACS patients after PCI.

Relevance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and serum interleukin-10 in the severity of psoriasis in South Indian patients: A case–control study

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder and is associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. There is an increased expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-17, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, IL-22, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) in the serum of psoriasis patients. Serum levels of IL-10, another anti-inflammatory cytokine, have been found at varying values in psoriasis in different regions of the world. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this article is to assess the serum IL-10 and serum VEGF in psoriasis patients with no co-morbidities and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 46 serum samples (23 psoriasis subjects and 23 healthy controls). After informed consent, 3 mL of serum was obtained and stored at -70°C. The samples were quantitatively assessed for VEGF-A and IL-10 by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: This study revealed that the mean (±SD) value of serum VEGF in cases was significantly higher than that in controls (cases = 235.21 ± 138.71; controls = 104.73 ± 36.01 pg/mL). However, levels of serum IL-10, although increased in cases (2.37 ± 1.61 pg/mL) when compared with controls (1.64 ± 0.89 pg/mL), showed no statistical significance. Conclusion: In this study, serum VEGF and IL-10 levels were increased in psoriasis when compared with controls but were not significantly related to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. The significant correlation between serum VEGF and IL-10 levels in cases when compared with controls suggests their role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Persistently increased values in psoriasis patients may lead to the development of comorbidities.

Serum VEGF as a predictive marker of glycemic control and diabetic nephropathy in Chinese older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Recent researches have demonstrated good correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, this relationship seems less clear-cut when VEGF was measured in blood samples. We tended to explore the possible association between serum VEGF and glycemic control and diabetic nephropathy severity in Chinese older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study retrospectively enrolled 595 older T2DM adults at random. Participants were clinically grouped across the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and the HbA1c tertiles by genders. Linear regressions were performed for the correlation of VEGF with HbA1c and UACR and binary logistic regressions for the odds of DN after adjusting for confounders. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted for the predictive value of VEGF for DN. Both males and females with DN exhibited higher VEGF levels than non-DN (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation of VEGF with UACR and HbA1c was presented regardless of adjusting confounding factors (P < 0.001). Serum VEGF level and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were independent risk factors of DN in older adults of both genders (P < 0.05), while the risk prediction of DN by HbA1c only reflected in female patients (P < 0.05). The ROC curve of VEGF for DN had the area under curve (AUC) of 0.819 for males and 0.793 for females, indicating the clinical value of serum VEGF as a predictive biomarker. Serum VEGF was strongly associated with UACR and HbA1c in both genders, and could be regarded as a predictive biomarker for glycemic control and diabetic nephropathy in older adults with T2DM.

Analysis on Value of Applying Serum miR-144 and miR-221 Levels in Diagnosing Atherosclerosis.

Objective To explore the value of serum miR-144 and miR-221 in diagnosing atherosclerosis (AS). Methods The clinical data of 52 AS patients treated in the department of cardiovascular medicine of our hospital from August 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and 53 healthy persons were selected from the physical examination center at the same period as the control group. By measuring the indicators including the serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), miR-144, and miR-221 in patients of both groups, their value of diagnosing AS was analyzed. Results Compared with the control group, the AS group obtained significantly higher serum miR-221 and miR-144 expression levels (P < 0.001), significantly higher mean serum homocysteine (Hcy) level value (P < 0.001), lower mean serum SOD level (P < 0.001), and significantly higher level values of serum VEGF, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) (P < 0.001), and the area under ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity of combining miR-221 with miR-144 were significantly higher than those of single diagnosis. Conclusion Serum miR-221 and miR-144 expression levels are increased in AS patients, and combining the two indicators in diagnosis is more accurate and can provide an accurate basis for diagnosis and condition assessment of AS.

The Diagnostic Value of Serum Ang, VEGF, and CRP Combined with the Chinese Medicine Antitumor Formula in the Treatment of Advanced Renal Carcinoma.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of serum angiopoietin (Ang), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) combined with the Chinese medicine antitumor formula in the treatment of advanced renal carcinoma. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 60 patients with advanced renal cancer admitted at Yantaishan Hospital from February 2019 to February 2020. All patients were treated with Chinese medicine antitumor formula. The serum Ang, VEGF, and CRP levels in venous blood samples were detected before and after treatment. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of combined serum Ang, VEGF, and CRP were analyzed utilizing the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) (95% CI). Results There were 52 cases of clear-cell carcinoma (86.7%), 7 cases of papillary carcinoma (11.7%), and 1 case of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (1.7%). The average tumor diameter was (9.67 ± 0.65) cm, and the KPS score was (74.68 ± 1.52). About 75% of the patients had metastasis. After treatment, the level of serum Ang, VEGF, and CRP was immensely lower compared to that before treatment (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC (95%CI) of the combined detection of Ang, VEGF, and CRP before treatment were 86.7%, 90.0%, and 0.883 (0.817–0.950), while the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC (95%CI) of the combined detection of Ang, VEGF, and CRP were 83.3%, 86.7%, and 0.850 (0.776–0.9524), respectively. Conclusion The combined detection of serum Ang, VEGF, and CRP has high diagnostic value for patients with advanced renal cancer treated with Chinese medicine antitumor formula.

846P Predictive and prognostic values of serum VEGF in patients with multiple myelomas receiving bortezomib-based therapy

Multiple myelomas (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy. Accurate risk stratification of MM patients is important for prognosis and to define the best treatment strategy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered a key regulator in angiogenesis and an important driver of neovascularization. We studied the predictive and prognostic values of serum VEGF in patients with newly diagnosed MM receiving bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone.

Determination of Pentraxin-3, Interleukin-8 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels in Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

Introduction and Aim:The purpose of this study was to determine the value, in terms of diagnosis, resectability and prognosis of pentraxin-3 (PTX3), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cases of gastric adenocarcinoma, an important condition both worldwide and in Turkey, and to determine their levels in order to contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease. Materials and Methods:Serum was separated from blood specimens collected from 45 patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma and from a 30-member healthy control group. Serum PTX3, IL-8 and VEGF levels were studied by ELISA method. Results:Serum PTX3 values differed significantly between the patient group and the control group (p<0.05). Serum IL-8 values also differed significantly between the patient group and the control group (p<0.05). A significant difference was also observed between serum VEGF values in the patient group and the control group (p<0.05). Significant correlation was determined between serum PTX3 and VEGF (p<0.01; r=0.833), between serum PTX3 and IL-8 (p<0.01; r=0.818), and between serum VEGF and IL-8 (p<0.01; r=0.803), measurements when the entire study population was evaluated irrespectively of groups. Conclusion:Serum PTX3, IL-8 and VEGF levels decreased in cases of gastric adenocarcinoma compared to the control group, and their levels affected one another.

Predictive value of serum VEGF, IL-1 and TNF-α in the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans by revascularization.

Effect of revascularization in the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) and the predictive value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) of risk factors of amputation were investigated. From April 2012 to August 2015, a total of 117 patients with TAO admitted to the First Hospital of Lanzhou University were selected. Patients treated with revascularization combined with prostaglandin sodium and cilostazol were enrolled in group A (67 patients), and patients treated with sodium and cilostazol were enrolled in group B (50 patients). The clinical efficacy was evaluated by calculating the intermittent claudication distance and the ankle brachial index (ABI) of patients. The occurrence probability of nausea and vomiting, skin pruritus, abdominal pain, coagulation abnormalities and amputation were recorded. The concentration of serum VEGF, IL-1 and TNF-α were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After treatment, the intermittent claudication distance, ABI and efficiency of group A was markedly higher than that of group B (P<0.05). After treatment, serum VEGF concentration in group A was clearly higher than that in group B (P<0.05), and IL-1 and TNF-α levels were much lower than those in group B (P<0.05). The amputation rate in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P<0.05). Patients with amputation in both groups were enrolled in the study group (24 cases), and those without amputation were included in the control group (93 cases). The serum VEGF concentration in the study group before treatment was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), while IL-1 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, pretreatment serum VEGF, IL-1 and TNF-α had a positive diagnostic value for poor prognosis of patients with amputation, and low concentration of VEGF and higher concentration of IL-1 and TNF-α are the risk factors for amputations in patients with TAO.

Long experience for the diagnosis and treatment of sporadic endolymphatic sac tumor in a single center

ObjectivesSporadic endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is rare. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical feature and surgical outcome of a single-center series of sporadic ELSTs. Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all cases of sporadic ELSTs operated at the Tiantan hospital between 2010 and 2020. ResultsRetrospective record revealed 14 patients with sporadic ELSTs who underwent surgical management. Serum VEGF(vascular endothelial growth factor)values of 6 patients were measured on admission, and the levels were all higher than normal(0−160 ng/L, Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay). All patients underwent surgical treatments, and there was no significant difference in KPS before and after the operation(KPS = 88:88). The average maximum diameter of the tumor was 41 mm (range28−56 mm). After surgery, Two patients received radiation therapy, We did not encounter any case with metastatic dissemination. No deaths occurred during follow-up. ConclusionELST is defined as an aggressive or low-grade malignant tumor, with the characteristics of local recurrence and invasion of bone growth. Sporadic cases are common, and this rare tumor provides insight into the relationship between ELST and VHL syndrome. Early surgical resection can prevent or reduce the disability of auditory vestibular symptoms, and improve the chance of complete resection and retention of hearing. As far as possible complete resection of the tumor can prolong the disease-free survival of patients. Preoperative radiotherapy or stereotactic therapy cannot control tumor growth. Postoperative radiotherapy may have a positive effect on tumor control. The high expression of VEGF in patients may be related to tumor occurrence and development.

A study of serum vascular endothelial growth factor in infantile hemangiomas.

Though infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of infancy, their etiopathogenesis is not fully understood. Some studies report a diagnostic role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but such studies are lacking from India. To study the clinicoepidemiological profile of infantile hemangiomas, to estimate and compare the serum levels of VEGF in infantile hemangiomas and controls, and to determine correlations between serum levels of VEGF and growth characteristics of infantile hemangiomas. A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 clinically diagnosed cases of infantile hemangioma and 30 controls presenting with other disorders. VEGF levels were recorded for both cases and controls by the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, and their significance determined using appropriate tests. Mean serum VEGF level in the cases was 216.8 ± 49.2 pg/ml while in the control group it was 115.1 ± 43.1 pg/ml (P < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant correlations between serum VEGF levels and sex or size, phase of growth, morphological variants or ulceration of lesions. Our sample was not large enough to draw clinically applicable conclusions. An adequate sample size could not be achieved because of low incidence of the disease, and resource and time constraints. The mean value of serum VEGF in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group, suggesting that serum VEGF can serve as a diagnostic marker of infantile hemangiomas. Mean serum VEGF was higher in proliferative lesions than in involuting lesions, indicating that it may also be useful as a prognostic serological marker in cases of infantile hemangioma.

Prognostic impact of blood and urinary angiogenic factor levels at diagnosis and during treatment in patients with osteosarcoma: a prospective study

BackgroundAngiogenesis is essential for the progression and metastatic spread of solid tumours. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been linked to poor survival among osteosarcoma patients but the clinical relevance of monitoring blood and urine angiogenic factors is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of blood VEGF and blood and urinary basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels in osteosarcoma patients, both at diagnosis and during treatment.MethodsPatients with localised or metastatic osteosarcoma enrolled in OS2005 and OS2006 studies between 2005 and 2011 were prospectively included in this study. VEGF and bFGF levels in serum and plasma and bFGF levels in urine were measured by ELISA at diagnosis, before surgery, and at the end of treatment. Endpoints considered for the prognostic analysis were histological response, progression-free and overall survival. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the distribution of baseline biomarker values across the different subgroups, and paired sample Wilcoxon rank tests were used to analyze changes over time. Association between biomarker levels and outcomes were assessed in multivariable models (logistic regression for histologic response, and Cox models for survival).ResultsSamples were available at diagnosis for 269 patients (54% males; age ≤ 18 years: 73%; localised disease in 68%, doubtful lung lesions in 17%, and metastases in 15%). High serum VEGF and bFGF levels were observed in respectively 61% and 51% of patients. Serum and plasma VEGF values were not strongly correlated with one another (r = 0.53). High serum and plasma VEGF levels were significantly more frequent in patients with large tumours (≥10 cm; p = 0.003 and p = 0.02, respectively). VEGF levels fell significantly during pre-operative chemotherapy (p < 0.0001). No significant correlation was found between this variation and either the histological response, progression-free survival or overall survival (p = 0.26, p = 0.67, and p = 0.87, respectively). No significant association was found between blood or urinary bFGF levels and clinical characteristics, histological response, or survival.ConclusionsLevels of VEGF and bFGF angiogenic factors are high in most osteosarcoma patients, but have no significant impact on response to chemotherapy or outcome in this large prospective series.OS 2006 trial registration numberclinicaltrials.gov NCT00470223; date of registration: May 3th 2007.

Peritransplant Complications and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Newly Diagnosed POEMS Syndrome after Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Background: POEMS (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes) syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia, without standardized therapeutic algorithm. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been reported to be effective, but can be complicated by excessive peritransplant events. Risk factors predictive for these complications are largely unknown. Moreover, long-term outcomes of ASCT have also not been studied comprehensively, especially in China.Methods: One-hundred and thirty eight patients, who met the diagnostic criteria proposed by Dispenzieri and underwent upfront ASCT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2005 and January 2016, were included in the current study. In these patients, 32 with severe end organ dysfunctions at diagnosis, received induction therapy (27 lenalidomide, 3 bortezomib and 2 melphalan based regimen; median 2, range 1-6 cycles) before ASCT. Clinical and laboratory information were reviewed, and outcomes were updated on July 1, 2016.Results: Median age at transplantation was 45 years (range 24-66 years), and 92 (67%) were male. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were dramatically elevated (median 4794, range 142-13867 pg/mL). Patients received pretransplant induction showed more pleural effusion, ascites, DLCO < 40% predicted and renal impairment (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). After induction, median value of serum VEGF was reduced from 4933 pg/mL to 804 pg/mL. Peripheral blood stem cells were mobilized by either cyclophosphamide with G-CSF (92%) or G-CSF alone (8%). Median dose of CD34+ cell collected was 2.58¡Á106/kg (0.77-10.90x106/kg). The conditioning regimen was melphalan 200 mg/m2 in 126 (91%), and the remaining patients received reduced dose (140 mg/m2). All collected CD34+ cells were infused.Severe peritransplant complications were recognized in 32 patients (16 engraftment syndrome, 5 cardiac events, 2 cerebrovascular events, 6 acute kidney injury and 3 treatment-related death). Baseline risk factors, identified through multivariate logistic regression, included age > 50 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.94, p = 0.025), time from symptom onset to transplant > 5 years (OR 4.89, p = 0.033) and pleural effusion (OR 3.17, p = 0.024). In contrast, induction therapy was associated with reduced complications (OR 0.19, p = 0.021), and more significant protective value was observed, if induction therapy was replaced by post-induction VEGF complete remission (CR) (OR 0.06, p = 0.012).After ASCT, most patients achieved systemic improvement, and the best responses were as follow: 50% hematological CR, 72% VEGF CR, 90% neurological response, and 65-86% responses of other involved organs. With median follow-up of 37 months (range 6-132 months), 6 patients died, and another 18 had disease progression. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 94% and 76%, respectively. Hematological (p = 0.008) and VEGF CRs (p = 0.021) were associated with superior PFS.Conclusion: Upfront ASCT is an effective therapy that can generate universal and durable responses in most POEMS patients. Pretransplant induction may make those cases with severe end organ dysfunction at diagnosis eligible for ASCT, and further reduce peritransplant complications. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundHashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The use of Nigella sativa, a potent herbal medicine, continues to increase worldwide as an alternative treatment of several chronic diseases including hyperlipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.MethodsForty patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, aged between 22 and 50 years old, participated in the trial and were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control receiving powdered Nigella sativa or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Changes in anthropometric variables, dietary intakes, thyroid status, serum VEGF and Nesfatin-1 concentrations after 8 weeks were measured.ResultsTreatment with Nigella sativa significantly reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies decreased while serum T3 concentrations increased in Nigella sativa-treated group after 8 weeks. There was a significant reduction in serum VEGF concentrations in intervention group. None of these changes had been observed in placebo treated group. In stepwise multiple regression model, changes in waist to hip ratio (WHR) and thyroid hormones were significant predictors of changes in serum VEGF and Nesgfatin-1 values in Nigella sativa treated group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur data showed a potent beneficial effect of powdered Nigella sativa in improving thyroid status and anthropometric variables in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Moreover, Nigella sativa significantly reduced serum VEGF concentrations in these patients. Considering observed health- promoting effect of this medicinal plant in ameliorating the disease severity, it can be regarded as a useful therapeutic approach in management of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.Trial registrationIranian registry of clinical trials (registration number IRCT2015021719082N4- Registered March-15-2015).

A Novel Combination of C-Reactive Protein and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Differential Diagnosis of Ascites.

Ascites with unknown cause remains a diagnostic challenge, which needs novel noninvasive biomarkers for the precise diagnosis. We aimed to evaluate the ascitic fluid and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as diagnostic markers in the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign ascites. In this prospective work, 315 consecutive patients with ascites were studied. Ascitic fluid and serum levels of CRP and VEGF were evaluated by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were divided into a benign ascites group (group 1) (n=256) and a malignant ascites group (group 2) (n=59). Ascitic and serum CRP were significantly elevated in malignant ascites than benign ascites group [5.08 (3.62-6.58) vs. 1.82 (0.64-3.86) ng/ml; P<0.001 and 12.7 (8.55-17.05) vs. 5.94 (2.57-10.64) ng/ml; P<0.001], respectively. Ascitic and serum VEGF were significantly increased in malignant ascites than benign ascites patients [0.68 (0.39-0.96) vs. 0.41 (0.25-0.83) ng/ml; P<0.001 and 0.74 (0.41-1.08) vs. 0.54 (0.23-0.86) ng/ml; P<0.001], respectively. At a cutoff value of 7.3 and 0.63ng/ml, serum CRP and VEGF had specificity (77.3 and 89.5%) and sensitivity (83.1 and 94.9%) for detecting malignant ascites [area under the curve (AUC) 0.821, 0.921], respectively. At a cutoff value of 2.5 and 0.57ng/ml, ascitic CRP and VEGF had specificity (81.6 and 85.5%) and sensitivity (84.7 and 91.5%) for detecting malignant ascites (AUC 0.842, 0.894), respectively. Elevated ascitic fluid and serum CRP and VEGF values were related to the malignant ascites.

Prognostic significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and Angiopoietin-2 in patients with lung cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) are major angiogenic mediators in neovascularization process. In current literature both biomarkers are discussed separately and only for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). So in this study we aimed to examine them together for both cell types NSCLC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). 100 patients with lung cancer were enrolled to this single center study. 87 of patients were diagnosed with NSCLC including 28 adenocarcinomas and 59 squamous cell cancers and 13 were SCLC. Results were compared with 30 healthy volunteers. Pre-treatment serum VEGF and Ang-2 levels were measured by using ELISA method. While serum Ang-2 levels were higher in patients than healthy controls (23395 pg/mL vs. 4025 pg/mL, p< 0.001), VEGF levels didn't differ (2308 pg/mL vs. 2433 pg/mL, p> 0.05). There was no difference between cases with SCLC and NSCLC in terms of Ang-2. But serum VEGF values were significantly lower in SCLC than NSCLC and control groups. None of these mediators were correlated with cell type, tumor size, TNM staging, performance status and operability. VEGF levels were higher in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it was not significant. Three cut of values were determined according to sensitivity and specificity by using youden index. They were 8515.73 pg/mL (sensitivity 78%, specificity 76%), 7097 pg/mL (sensitivity 80%, specificity 70%) and 11063.48 pg/mL (sensitivity 76%, specificity 70%). Patients with SCLC had shorter survival time above cut-off values (p> 0.05). VEGF and Ang-2 showed a weak positive correlation (p= 0.1 and r= 0.638). In conclusion, serum VEGF wasn't useful to predict lung cancer, prognosis or cell type. Albeit Ang-2 was higher in patients with lung cancer without any effect on survival. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies done with serum measurement Ang-2 on tumor tissue should be more meaningful.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and tryptase changes after chemoembolization in hepatocarcinoma patients.

To evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tryptase in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) before and after trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). VEGF and tryptase serum concentrations were assessed from 71 unresectable HCC patients before and after hepatic TACE performed by binding DC-Beads(®) to doxorubicin. VEGF levels were examined for each serum sample using the Quantikine Human VEGF-enzyme-linked immuno-absorbent assay (ELISA), whereas tryptase serum concentrations were assessed for each serum sample by means of fluoro-enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) using the Uni-CAP100 tool. Differences between serum VEGF and tryptase values before and after TACE were evaluated using Student t test. Person's correlation was used to assess the degree of association between the two variables. VEGF levels and serum tryptase in HCC patients before TACE had a mean value and standard deviation (SD) of 114.31 ± 79.58 pg/mL and 8.13 ± 3.61 μg/L, respectively. The mean levels and SD of VEGF levels and serum tryptase in HCC patients after TACE were 238.14 ± 109.41 pg/mL and 4.02 ± 3.03 μg/L. The changes between the mean values of concentration of VEGF and tryptase before treatment and after treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.000231 and P < 0.00124, by Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney respectively). A significant correlation between VEGF levels before and after TACE and between tryptase levels before and after TACE was demonstrated (r = 0.68, P = 0.003; r = 0.84, P = 0.000 respectively). Our pilot results suggest that the higher serum VEGF levels and the lower tryptase levels following TACE may be potential biomarkers changing in response to therapy.

Evaluation of angiopoietin 1 and 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in asthmatic children.

Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation that is associated with structural changes termed airway remodeling. Recently, cytokines/mediators that augment inflammation have been attracting attention in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha values, which have important roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, and remodeling in asthmatic children. We also documented correlations between demographic features, duration of asthma, and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. Randomly selected 40 children (20 male and 20 female children, aged 6-16 years) with mild or moderate persistent asthma and 32 healthy children (15 male and 17 female children, aged 6-16 years) enrolled in the study. All asthmatic children had been using inhaled corticosteroids at least for the last 3 months. Serum Ang-1 levels were significantly lower in asthmatic children than those in normal controls. The Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio was also significantly lower in asthmatic children compared with those in normal controls (p < 0.01). However, serum Ang-2, VEGF, and TNF-alpha levels were similar in the two groups. A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF and duration of asthma. No correlation between serum Ang-1, Ang-2, VEGF values, and PFT parameters was obtained. On the other hand, significant negative correlation was detected between serum TNF-alpha and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. We have shown that serum Ang-1 levels and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were significantly reduced and balance was toward Ang-2 in asthmatics children. This process may lead to inflammation, destabilization of blood vessels, and trigger remodeling.