title: Basic fibroblast growth factor: serum levels in the female.
abstract: This study investigated serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (b FGF), a potent angiogenic factor, during distinct periods of the female life and compared them with corresponding levels in age-matched males. Healthy females (n = 59) and males (n = 53) were included in the study, divided into six groups: fetuses (cord blood), neonates, children, adults (females in proliferative and secretory phase), pregnant and "elderly" men and women. Serum b FGF levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay. No statistically significant difference was found between both genders. Blood levels in fetuses and neonates were significantly increased as compared to adults (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, respectively). Restricting the analysis to females, all age groups, but fetuses (p = 0.05), demonstrated no difference when compared to proliferative phase adults. In conclusion, b FGF serum levels do not differ between males and females and are elevated in fetal and neonatal life, when growth and development are enhanced.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malamitsi-Puchner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tziotis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsonou
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Protonotariou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sarandakou
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Creatsas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2