[Vascular endothelial growth factor in elderly and senile age: clinical and pathogenetic relationships.]

The aim of the study was to study the role of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and to determine its clinical significance in elderly and senile patients. The study included 124 people (40 men and 84 women) aged 60 to 89 years, the average age was 68,8±7,4 years. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were studied in the work; blood lipid spectrum parameters, indicators of acute phase blood proteins: C-reactive protein (C-RP), fibrinogen; glomerular filtration rate (GFR) according to the CKD-EPI formula based on serum creatinine and according to the F. Hoek method using cystatin C. In general, 15,3% of the examined individuals had elevated serum levels of VEGF, more often in elderly patients. It was found that serum levels of VEGF are positively associated with the concentration of CRP (r=0,411), the number of platelets in peripheral blood (r=0,358) and positive with the concentration of serum cystatin C (r=0,211). In the subgroup of patients with an elevated serum VEGF level, the platelet count, the concentration of C-RP, fibrinogen, and cystatin C were significantly higher, and the calculated GFR according to F.Hoek was significantly lower. Patients with an elevated serum VEGF level, as a pro-inflammatory and prothrombogenic potential, especially if it is associated with the development of kidney dysfunction in the elderly and senile, should be considered as a risk group for atherothrombotic cardiovascular events.