Vitreous vascular endothelial growth factor level during gestation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and vascular permeability.
• Understanding VEGF dynamics during gestation is important for both maternal and fetal health.
• Alterations in VEGF levels have been implicated in various ocular and systemic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in vitreous VEGF levels throughout gestation.
• To determine the correlation between vitreous and plasma VEGF levels during pregnancy.
• To assess VEGF levels before, during, and after the gestational period.

Main Methods:

• Seven New Zealand White rabbits underwent blood and vitreous sampling at three time points: before, during (20-23 days), and after gestation (2 months postpartum).
• Serum and vitreous samples were analyzed for VEGF (165) concentrations using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare VEGF levels and assess correlations.

Main Results:

• Both plasma and vitreous VEGF (165) concentrations were significantly elevated during gestation compared to pre-gestational and post-gestational periods (P < 0.05).
• A strong positive correlation (r = 0.940, P = 0.002) was observed between intravitreal and plasma VEGF (165) levels specifically during the gestational period.
• Median plasma VEGF ranged from 36.61 pg/ml to 58.30 pg/ml, and vitreous VEGF ranged from 14.92 pg/ml to 20.51 pg/ml across the study periods.

Conclusions:

• Vitreous VEGF levels increase during pregnancy and are positively correlated with systemic plasma VEGF levels.
• These findings suggest a potential link between ocular and systemic VEGF regulation during gestation.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger prospective studies.