Circulating angiogenic factors during periovulation and the luteal phase of normal menstrual cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To measure serial serum concentrations of the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and angiogenin (ANG) in the periovulatory and secretory phase of normal menstrual cycles in healthy women and to determine their peaks, which might reflect the stage of their critical angiogenic action.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University departments of obstetrics and gynecology.


METHODS
Thirty-three healthy Swedish women with regular menstrual cycles.


METHODS
Serial blood samples were collected from each woman. Luteinizing hormone surge was identified by testing morning urine.


METHODS
Circulating levels of VEGF, bFGF, and ANG.


RESULTS
Circulating peak concentrations were determined for VEGF on day 0 and 9 after ovulation, for bFGF on day 1 before ovulation and day 9 after ovulation, and for ANG on day 3 after ovulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Circulating VEGF increased in a stage-dependent cyclic fashion. Basic FGF peaked during the late proliferative and mid secretory phase. Circulating ANG showed increased expression around the early secretory phase of the cycle.
Malamitsi-Puchner
Ariadne
A
Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Goudi, Greece. malamitsi@aias.gr
Sarandakou
Angeliki
A
Tziotis
John
J
Stavreus-Evers
Anneli
A
Tzonou
Anastasia
A
Landgren
Britt-Marie
BM
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000097:blood*; D010060:Ovulation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012259:Ribonuclease, Pancreatic / Q000097:blood*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000097:blood*; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000032:analysis
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; C046366:angiogenin; D012259:Ribonuclease, Pancreatic