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Research VEGF, Plasma
Immune System

VEGF, Plasma

Plasma
Optimal Result: 0 - 115 pg/mL.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a critical biomarker in plasma that plays a key role in the regulation of angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from pre-existing ones. VEGF is a signaling protein, primarily responsible for promoting the growth and maintenance of blood vessels, making it an essential component in both physiological and pathological conditions. The study of VEGF levels in plasma has become a focal point in medical research, particularly in the context of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic inflammatory disorders.

Elevated VEGF plasma levels are often associated with tumor growth and metastasis, as cancerous cells require an extensive blood supply to fuel their rapid proliferation. As tumors grow, they release VEGF to stimulate nearby blood vessels to expand and form new vessels, effectively nourishing the tumor. Consequently, measuring VEGF plasma levels can help in early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, while also serving as a potential therapeutic target. Anti-VEGF therapies have been developed to inhibit this pathway, effectively "starving" the tumor by cutting off its blood supply.

In cardiovascular diseases, VEGF also plays a significant role. The presence of high levels of VEGF in plasma has been linked to conditions like atherosclerosis and heart failure, as the body attempts to repair and regenerate damaged blood vessels. Conversely, insufficient VEGF levels can contribute to poor vascular health, limiting the body's ability to heal damaged tissues. Monitoring VEGF levels in plasma, therefore, can offer insights into a patient’s cardiovascular health, and guide treatments aimed at improving vascular function.

In addition to its involvement in cancer and cardiovascular conditions, VEGF plasma levels are being studied in relation to other diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and rheumatoid arthritis. VEGF-induced blood vessel growth can exacerbate the pathology of these diseases, leading to more severe symptoms. As a result, VEGF remains a vital biomarker in medical diagnostics and treatment strategies, with ongoing research continually uncovering its broader implications across various health conditions.

References:

 

Ferrara, N. (2004). "Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: Basic Science and Clinical Progress." Endocrine Reviews, 25(4), 581–611.
DOI: 10.1210/er.2003-0027

Carmeliet, P. (2005). "VEGF as a Key Mediator of Angiogenesis in Cancer." Oncology, 69(Suppl 3), 4-10.
DOI: 10.1159/000088478

Shibuya, M. (2011). "VEGF-VEGFR System as a Target for Suppressing Inflammation and Other Diseases." Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets, 11(2), 149-154.
DOI: 10.2174/187153011795564359

Simons, M., Gordon, E., & Claesson-Welsh, L. (2016). "Mechanisms and Regulation of Endothelial VEGF Receptor Signalling." Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 17(10), 611–625.
DOI: 10.1038/nrm.2016.87

Verheul, H. M., & Pinedo, H. M. (2007). "The Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Tumor Angiogenesis and Early Clinical Development of VEGF-Receptor Kinase Inhibitors." Clinical Breast Cancer, 7(Suppl 1), S11-S19.
DOI: 10.3816/CBC.2007.s.002

What does it mean if your VEGF, Plasma result is too high?

Elevated levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in plasma are significant because VEGF is a key regulator of angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels are formed. When plasma VEGF levels are increased, it often indicates heightened vascular activity or abnormal blood vessel growth, which can be associated with various physiological and pathological conditions. Here's what elevated VEGF plasma levels can signify:

  1. Cancer and Tumor Growth: One of the most common associations with elevated VEGF is cancer. Tumors require a blood supply to grow and metastasize, and VEGF plays a critical role in promoting the formation of new blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen to the tumor. High plasma levels of VEGF are often observed in cancers such as breast, lung, colon, and kidney cancer. In many cases, measuring VEGF levels can serve as a biomarker to assess tumor progression, aggressiveness, or response to anti-angiogenic treatments that target VEGF pathways.

  2. Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases: VEGF levels can also be elevated in chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease are linked to increased VEGF levels due to the chronic inflammation stimulating abnormal blood vessel growth in affected tissues. Elevated VEGF in these diseases contributes to the thickening of the synovial tissue (in rheumatoid arthritis, for example) and the development of inflammation-related complications.

  3. Cardiovascular Conditions: VEGF plays a role in the body's response to ischemia, a condition where tissues don't get enough oxygen due to restricted blood flow. In individuals with cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease, elevated plasma VEGF levels may indicate an attempt by the body to form new blood vessels to restore proper blood flow to oxygen-deprived tissues. However, while VEGF may be protective in some cases, its excessive expression could also lead to the formation of fragile or dysfunctional vessels that may not effectively support tissue repair.

  4. Eye Diseases: In diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, elevated VEGF levels contribute to abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. These vessels are often fragile and prone to leakage, leading to vision loss. VEGF inhibitors are a common treatment for these conditions to reduce vascular abnormalities and preserve vision. Monitoring VEGF levels can help gauge the severity and progression of these diseases.

In summary, elevated VEGF plasma levels typically signify increased angiogenesis and are associated with cancer, inflammation, ischemic conditions, and certain eye diseases. Measuring VEGF can be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool in assessing disease activity and guiding targeted therapies.

What does it mean if your VEGF, Plasma result is too low?

The significance of a VEGF level that is too low is unknown.

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