Serum VEGF and b-FGF profiles after tension-free or conventional hernioplasty.
BACKGROUND
Angiogenesis is strongly influenced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), whose production is also regulated by interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-10. The aim of this study was to evaluate the modifications of serum VEGF, b-FGF, IFN-gamma and IL-10 levels in patients with inguinal hernia undergoing hernioplasty with the Lichtenstein technique (LH) using polypropylene mesh or with Bassini open conventional inguinal hernia repair (BH).


METHODS
Randomly, 16 patients underwent BH, and 16 were treated with the LH technique using polypropylene mesh. Blood samples were collected 24 h prior to surgery and then 6, 24, 48 and 168 h postoperatively. The serum concentrations of VEGF, b-FGF, IFN-gamma and IL-10 were evaluated.


RESULTS
In BH patients, a peak of VEGF synthesis at 6 h with a normalization of this parameter 24 h after surgery has been observed. In the same subjects, b-FGF synthesis increased after surgery reaching significant levels 48 h later. On the contrary, in LH patients, a decrease in the serum VEGF and b-FGF concentrations was detected after surgery and their increase afterwards. IL-10 was increased in both groups 6 h after operation and declined to preoperative levels 24 h afterwards. IFN-gamma enhanced in LH patients 6 h after surgery, whereas no modifications were detected in BH subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study shows that VEGF and b-FGF modifications, associated with alterations of cytokine secretion, are detectable in human undergoing hernioplasty, and suggests that they could somehow influence in the wound-healing process.
Di Vita
Gaetano
G
Department of Surgery and Oncology 1st Division, University of Palermo P. Giaccone, Palermo, Italy.
Patti
Rosalia
R
D'Agostino
Pietro
P
Arcoleo
Francesco
F
Caruso
Giuseppe
G
Arcara
Matteo
M
Davì
Valentina
V
Cillari
Enrico
E
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000097:blood*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000097:blood* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000097:blood*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D016753:Interleukin-10; D007371:Interferon-gamma