Vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptor in ovarian pathology

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Abstract
Objective. The soluble form of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, s-VEGFR-1, may negatively regulate the action of VEGF. Our purpose was to better understand the regulation of angiogenetic processes in ovarian cysts. Methods. Seventy-three women, 36 with serous cystoadenoma, 30 with ovarian endometriosis and seven with cystoadenocarcinoma, were enrolled. We calculated both VEGF and s-VEGFR-1 levels in cystic fluid and a VEGF activity index by means of the ratio VEGF/s-VEGFR-1. Student's t test was used for the statistical analysis. Results. We found higher VEGF concentration in both endometriotic and malignant lesions than in serous cystoadenoma (p = 0.03 and 0.001, respectively). Also s-VEGFR-1 concentration was higher in endometrioma than in serous cysts (p = 0.005); however, there was no statistically significant difference between cystoadenoma and the malignant lesions (p = 0.15). VEGF activity index in cystoadenoma, endometriotic and malignant lesions was 0.61, 0.27 and 0.50, respectively. Conclusions. VEGF certainly has an important role in both ovarian endometriosis and for cancer progression; however, the activity index may be better to investigate the real role of VEGF in the pathology we have considered.