Changes in serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in males andfemales throughout life

OBJECTIVES: To study serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VE GF), a potent angiogenic factor; during distinct periods of the female life span and compare them with corresponding levels of age-matched males. It i s hypothesized that VEGF might be increased at periods of enhanced angiogen esis. METHODS: Venous blood lolls drawn from healthy females (n = 59) and males ( n = 53) divided into six groups: fetuses (cord blood), neonates, children, adults (same females in the proliferative and secretory phases of their men strual cycle), pregnant, and elderly (postmenopausal). Serum VEGF levels we re measured by an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Females showed 49% higher serum VEGF levels than males (t = 2.74, P =.01). Cord and neonatal blood levels were significantly increased compar ed with those of adults (t = 2.41, P =.02, and t = 5.81, P =.0001, respecti vely). All female age groups presented higher serum VEGF levels than the gr oup Of women in the proliferative,phase of the cycle; nevertheless, VEGF le vels in the secretory phase did not differ (t = 1.85, P =.07). CONCLUSIONS: Serum VEGF levels ave higher in females than ill males and dur ing life periods characterized by enhanced growth and development, implying increased rates of angiogenesis. Copyright (C) 2000 by the Society for Gyn ecologic Investigation.