Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
BACKGROUND
The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in osteoporosis has not yet been clearly established. Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important part of bone formation. In the literature, although the effects of VEGF on bone metabolism were investigated by different studies, there are very rare studies analysing the association between osteoporosis and VEGF. In the present study, our objective was to investigate serum VEGF concentrations in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and the correlation of serum VEGF levels and bone mineral density (BMD).


METHODS
This study was performed on 35 PMO patients, and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Serum VEGF concentrations were measured using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique according to the manufacturer's instructions. Bone mineral density values were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).


RESULTS
Serum VEGF concentrations were statistically significantly lower in PMO patients than in controls (150 ±65 pg/ml, 260 ±135 pg/ml respectively; p = 0.005). A positive correlation was found between serum VEGF concentrations and BMD values (r = 0.63, p = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations were decreased in PMO patients and VEGF may play an important role in bone health.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ataturk University Medicine Faculty, Erzurum, Turkey.
Kazim
K
Senel
Tuba
T
Baykal
Buminhan
B
Seferoglu
Elif Umay
EU
Altas
Fatih
F
Baygutalp
Mahir
M
Ugur
Ahmet
A
Kiziltunc
post-menopausal osteoporosis; vascular endothelial growth factor