The Relationship of Serum levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor with Disease Severity and the Number of Exacerbations in COPD Patients

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by progressive and irreversible obstruction of the airways of the lungs. Different studies have emphasized on the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in COPD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of this factor with disease severity and the number of exacerbations in COPD patients. Methods: This study is a Cross-sectional study on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease referred to Besat clinic in Kerman in 2013-2014. After performing spirometery and confirming COPD diagnosis by a pulmonologist and obtaining consent form patients, blood samples were taken and level of VEGF was measured by ELISA method. Results: Mean serum level of VEGF in patients was 160±156.6 µg/ml. More disease severity was associated with higher level of VEGF, but this association was not significant. No relationship was found between the number of exacerbations and VEGF level. Conclusion:The results of our study showed that serum levels of VEGF increases in COPD patients, but there is not a significant correlation between serum levels of VEGF and the severity of the disease and the number of exacerbations.