Serum vascular endothelial growth factor as a possible indicator of arterial reactivity in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration is correlated with arterial reactivity in postmenopausal women.

Methods. An observational study was conducted on 24 postmenopausal women who did not receive any hormone therapy in the 6 months preceding the study and had no pre-existing cardiovascular diseases or cardiovascular risk factors. Serum samples were obtained from all participants and analyzed for VEGF concentrations. Arterial reactivity was assessed by the measurement of endothelium-dependent dilatation and endothelium-independent dilatation of the brachial artery, using color duplex Doppler ultrasound.

Results. The study population was aged 50.8 years on average, with about 2 years of menopause. Serum VEGF concentration in postmenopausal women was significantly correlated with both endothelium-dependent dilatation (r = −0.66, p < 0.01) and endothelium-independent dilatation (r = −0.65, p < 0.01) of the brachial artery.

Conclusions. Serum VEGF level may be a potential indicator of arterial reactivity in postmenopausal women.

Keywords:

• Vascular endothelial growth factor
• arterial reactivity
• menopause