Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Messenger RNA and Its Encoded Polypeptide Level in Various Liver Diseases

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent mediator that has been found to be implicated in the development of tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to detect the gene expression of m-RNA of VEGF as well as serum level of its encoded polypeptide in patients with various liver diseases to assess whether they are correlated with different clinical, laboratory and histological parameters of these diseases. Subjects and Methods: forty five patients (33males, 12 females) with various liver diseases including chronic hepatitis C (n=15), liver cirrhosis (n=15) and hepatocellular carcinoma (n=15) and fifteen healthy age-matched controls (9 males, 6 females) were included in the study. Gene expression of VEGF m-RNA was studied in tissue samples of all patients using reverse transcriptase-PCR and its encoded polypeptide level was detected in all subjects using ELISA technique. Results: Gene expression of VEGF m-RNA was significantly higher in HCC group as compared to CHC and LC groups. Meanwhile, there was significant statistical difference in VEGF gene expression between CHC and LC groups. Similar statistical differences were reported in the mean serum level of VEGF polypeptide. VEGF m-RNA expression as well as its serum level were correlated significantly with serum albumin only in cirrhotic patients (r = 0.612 and r = 0.577 respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between the serum VEGF level and platelet count in HCC patients (r = 0.421) and negative correlation exists between VEGF levels and platelet count in other patient groups and that correlation was highly significant in patients with chronic hepatitis (r = - 0.646). Conclusion: Gene expression of m-RNA of VEGF and its encoded polypeptide level were highly over-expressed in HCC and diminished in LC, so its measurement is highly recommended for early detection of malignant transformation of LC to HCC and makes VEGF one of the most important markers of HCC. Moreover, the HCV was able to activate the expression of VEGF in chronic hepatitis C patients.