Assessing the Diagnostic Value of Vegf Levels in Differentiation of Malignant Serous Discharge (Positive Cytology) From Benign Serous Discharge (Negative Cytology) Using Elisa Method



Moghaddam NA¹ ; Solouki R² ; Akbari P² Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2011

Abstract

Background: One of the factors effective on tumor cell growth and proliferation is vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF). It also affects the formation of serous fluids such as ascites or pleural effusion through vascular permeability. However, detection and differentiation of malignant serous fluids from benign serous fluids have always been a problem. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the diagnostic value and level of VEGF in differentiation of malignant serous fluids from benign serous fluids. Methods: This descriptive, analytical case-control study was conducted on 92 serous fluid (ascites and pleural effusion) samples from the pathology ward of Alzahra Hospital (Iran). The study employed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate samples. The samples were divided into 2 groups (n = 46 in each) of malignant serous fluids (positive cytology) and benign serous fluids (negative cytology). VEGF levels were examined in both groups. The data was analyzed using independent t-test and chi-square test. Findings: In the malignant effusion group, there were 22 males and 24 females with the mean age of 56.47 ± 14.57 years. In the benign effusion group, there were 30 males and 16 females with the mean age of 57.95 ± 17.07 years. The mean VEGF levels in the malignant effusion and benign effusion groups were 753.71 ± 6.61 and 143.99 ± 1.27 pg/ml, respectively. In addition, VEGF levels in the group with malignant serous discharge were significantly higher compared to the group with benign serous discharge (P = 0.02). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that VEGF can be used as a biochemical factor in differentiation of malignant serous fluids (positive cytology) from benign serous fluids (negative cytology). © 2011, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.