Circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A and its soluble receptor in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) is a multifunctional cytokine affecting angiogenesis and vascular function. The biological activity of VEGF is modulated by its soluble receptor VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1). We explored the associations of VEGF and sVEGFR-1 concentrations with liver histology in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS:

The study was comprised of 99 patients with NAFLD and 75 healthy controls. Serum VEGF and sVEGFR-1 concentrations were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS:

Serum VEGF levels did not differ in patients with NAFLD (1882 ± 942 pg/mL) compared with healthy controls (1985 ± 945 pg/mL, p = 0.42). However, compared with healthy subjects, levels of sVEGFR-1 were significantly lower in patients with NAFLD (1.59 ± 0.58 ng/mL vs. 1.16 ± 0.34 ng/mL, respectively, p <0.001). After allowance for potential confounders, serum sVEGFR-1 levels retained their independent significance as a predictor of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD (β = -0.19; t = -1.81, p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results show that patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD have a significant reduction in serum sVEGFR-1 concentrations that predict the degree of liver fibrosis, independent of potential confounders.

• Authors: Yusuf Yilmaz, Oya Yonal, Ramazan Kurt, Yesim Ozen Alahdab, Osman Ozdogan, Cigdem Ataizi Celikel, Engin Ulukaya, Nese Imeryuz, Cem Kalayci, Erol Avsar
• Journal: Archives of medical research (Arch Med Res) Vol. 42 Issue 1 Pg. 38-43 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1873-5487 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21376261 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

Topics

• Adult
• Biopsy
• Fatty Liver (blood, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Liver (pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (blood)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 (blood)